the missing link: filling the gap and achieving success in

Edith Cowan UniversityResearch Online

Theses : Honours Theses

2015

The Missing Link: Filling the gap and achievingsuccess in Australian contrabass auditionsGiovanni VinciEdith Cowan University

This Thesis is posted at Research Online.https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1478

Recommended CitationVinci, G. (2015). The Missing Link: Filling the gap and achieving success in Australian contrabass auditions. Retrieved fromhttps://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1478

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The Missing Link: Filling the Gap and Achieving

Success in Australian Contrabass Auditions

Giovanni Vinci

Supervisor: Tim White

Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

Edith Cowan University

This dissertation is submitted for the degree of Bachelor of Music Honours

2015

ii

Declaration

I certify that this thesis does not, to the best of my knowledge and belief:

(i) incorporate without acknowledgment any material previously submitted for a degree or

diploma in any institution of higher degree or diploma in any institution of higher

education;

(ii) contain any material previously published or written by another person except where

due reference is made in the text of this thesis;

(iii) contain any defamatory material;

(iv) contain any data that has not been collected in a manner consistent with ethics

approval.

Signed: Date:

This copy is the property of Edith Cowan University. However, the literary rights of the author must

also be respected. If any passage from this thesis is quoted or closely paraphrased in a paper or

written work prepared by the user, the source of the passage must be acknowledged in the work. If

the user desires to publish a paper or written work containing passages copied or closely

paraphrased from this thesis, which passages would in total constitute an infringing copy for the

purpose of the Copyright Act, he or she must first obtain the written permission of the author to do

so.

iii

The Missing Link: Filling the Gap and Achieving Success in

Australian Contrabass Auditions

Abstract

In Australia, a contrabass player who wishes to win a full-time orchestral position must pass

a formal audition. Australian contrabass auditions normally consist of both solo works and a set of

orchestral excerpts. In order to be successful in the audition, the aspiring musician must meet the

standard expected by the adjudicating panel of musicians. This dissertation explores the keys to

success in such auditions, shining light upon why some musicians are successful and others not. A

series of interviews have been conducted with string musicians around Australia to assist in

discovering optimal strategies and approaches to achieving success. Practising and studying the

required orchestral excerpts is also key to performing a successful audition. This process can be

achieved by systematically working through contrabass excerpt books, accumulating a knowledge of

the repertoire and developing a high performance standard in preparation for auditions. However,

there is a gap within the commercially available contrabass excerpt books. In these books, the

information provided by the authors is limited to the orchestral part, marked only with bowings and

fingerings. While information regarding bowing and fingerings is useful, incorporating information

regarding tempo, vibrato, bow use, dynamics, orchestral context, phrasing and expression would

also be beneficial. This dissertation explores the missing link neglected by these texts and offers a

more comprehensive guide to the preparation of seven of the most frequently requested orchestral

excerpts in Australia.

iv

Acknowledgments

I extend my sincerest thanks to my supervisor, Tim White, for your knowledge, guidance and

expertise throughout the process of assembling this dissertation. Your friendly attitude and

willingness to help, even in the busiest of times, is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

To my family – thank you for your support throughout this research project, and my time at

university. I would not be where I am without your support.

To all my mentors and colleagues who participated in this research. Your advice and expertise on

audition preparation are fruitful and valuable. Thank you.

v

Table of Contents

Declaration………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………ii

Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….………iii

Acknowledgments…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….…iv

Table of Figures………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….….………vi

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..……..1

I. Rationale…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………2

II. Research Questions……………………………………………………………………………………………….………3

III. Methodology…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3

IV. Literature Review………………………………………………………………………….…………………….………..4

Chapter 1……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………9

What is an audition? How is it operated and structured? ………………………………………………..… 9

Chapter 2…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…….12

What are the most commonly requested solos and excerpts?...............................................12

Chapter 3…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………17

What are the secrets of success? : Strategies and approaches that win or

lose auditions…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….17

Chapter 4……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…23

Current commercially available excerpt books and their limitations……………………………….….23

Chapter 5………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….…..25

Seven excerpts examined in depth with advice, context and useful information…….………….25

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…61

Bibliography and References…………………………………………………………………………….……………………..……..62

Appendices………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……71

A. Full orchestral excerpts……………………………………………………………………………………………..…71

i) Richard Strauss, Ein Heldenleben Op. 40……………………………………………………71

ii) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Symphony No. 40 in G Minor K550…………….…72

iii) Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 9 Op. 125………………………………………73

iv) Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 5 Op. 67; Scherzo……………………….…74

vi

v) Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 5 Op.67; Trio…………………………….…75

vi) Giuseppe Verdi, Otello………………………………………………………………………….…76

vii) Hector Berlioz, Symphonie Fantastique H 48……………………………………..……77

vii

Table of Figures

Figure 1. Table listing requested excerpt frequencies……………………………………………………….…………….12

Figure 2. Table listing the four main contrabass concerti………………………………………………………………..16

Figure 3. Excerpt 1 – Ein Heldenleben, R. Strauss………………………………………………………………….…………27

Figure 4. Rhythm exercise for Ein Heldenleben……………………………………………………………………….………28

Figure 5. Recording analysis of Ein Heldenleben…………………………………………………………………….………..31

Figure 6. Excerpt 2 – Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, W.A. Mozart…………………………………………………….33

Figure 7. Recording analysis of Symphony No. 40 in G Minor……………………………………………………….….34

Figure 8. Excerpt 3 – Symphony No. 9, Op. 125; Recitative, L.V. Beethoven………………………….……..….38

Figure 9. Excerpt 4 – Symphony No. 5, Op. 67; Scherzo, L.V. Beethoven………………………………….………43

Figure 10. Recording analysis of Symphony No. 5, Op. 67; Scherzo………………………………………..….…….44

Figure 11. Excerpt 5 – Symphony No. 5, Op. 67; Trio, L.V. Beethoven…………………………………………..…47

Figure 12. Recording analysis of Symphony No. 5, Op. 67; Trio…………………………………………….………...47

Figure 13. Excerpt 6 – Otello, G. Verdi…………………………………………………………………………………………….50

Figure 14. Excerpt 7 – Symphonie Fantastique H 48, Hector Berlioz……………………………………………….55

Figure 15. Recording analysis of Symphonie Fantastique H 48………………………………………………….…...56

Figure 16. Full excerpt: Ein Heldenleben, R. Strauss…………………………………………………………………….….71

Figure 17. Full excerpt: Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, W.A. Mozart……………………………………….……...72

Figure 18. Full excerpt: Symphony No. 9, Op. 125; Recitative, L.V. Beethoven……………………….……...73

Figure 19. Full excerpt: Symphony No. 5, Op. 67; Scherzo, L.V. Beethoven……………………………….……74

Figure 20. Full excerpt: Symphony No. 5, Op. 67; Trio, L.V. Beethoven……………………………………….….75

Figure 21. Full excerpt: Otello, G. Verdi………………………………………………………………………………………...76

Figure 22. Full excerpt: Symphonie Fantastique H 48, Hector Berlioz…………………………………………….77

1

Introduction

The primary goal of most aspiring contrabass players is to win a full-time orchestral job. For

a bass player, there are few career opportunities as an international soloist and limited

opportunities to play full-time in chamber music ensembles. Therefore, most players seek an

orchestral position. The average number of contrabass players in an Australian professional state

orchestra is six, and full-time positions in Australia become available only once or twice a year.

Consequently, it is imperative that going into the audition, the aspiring professional is fully prepared

and ready. In addition to this, competition for full-time positions is fierce, and the required

standards are high. Often, no one will be appointed to the job, even after heavy deliberation.

Nowadays, the criteria that a musician must meet can range from very specific technical abilities to

general attitude and professional conduct. If a musician successfully passes the audition round(s)

and is offered a trial, this process of winning a position becomes more complex. Upon the

completion of the trial, the panel will discuss the applicant’s progress and decide whether or not the

candidate will be granted a permanent position in the orchestra. The key to performing a successful

orchestral audition is through the thorough preparation of excerpts and solos, via an effective and

established practise routine.

Auditions are difficult to win and can be a stressful process, especially if travel is involved.

Each year, three to four orchestral contrabass jobs become available in Australia, and therefore,

traveling to an audition in another city is always going to be a factor to consider. The scarcity of

contrabass positions attracts interest and competition from musicians all over the globe, so it is

imperative that one is equipped with the best preparation routine ahead of investing time, energy

and money into the application process. Players need guidance and resources to assist them in this

process. Valuable guidance can come from teachers and tutors, who provide specific and general

advice on how to competently play one’s instrument. The study of this dissertation will be informed

by undertaking a series of interviews with a number of musicians and audition panellists around

Australia, revealing the most effective strategies for achieving success in auditions.

The study of orchestral excerpts has long been a standard part of the life of young

professionals seeking an orchestral job. These excerpts are taken out of the larger orchestral

context, isolated and studied as separate passages. Every instrument of the symphony orchestra has

a repertoire of excerpts that are rhythmically, technically, stylistically, or musically challenging.

These passages are a challenge for musicians of all calibres, and as a result, literature and excerpt

books, articles and masterclasses are readily available and provide a valuable resource for aspiring

professionals. These resources offer educated guidance by professionals in this field.

2

Orchestra excerpts are especially difficult because they are very short, incomplete, they

don’t sound very good on their own, they are no fun to practise, and they present all

sorts of technical difficulties.1

Perhaps the resource that is most readily available for aspiring orchestral bass players is

published orchestral excerpt literature. Generally, these are known as ‘excerpt books’, and consist of

compilations of challenging excerpts from the orchestral repertoire. These books are helpful;

however, they are generally limited in the scope of their advice by usually only providing guidance

regarding bowing and fingering. This is helpful to a certain extent, but also limited. For a young

professional student who desires to expand their understanding and immersion of the orchestral

context, a better model could be created.

Learn about the composer, the era, and the composition. Learn when the composer

lived, the musical style of the era, and apply this knowledge to the audition.2

A review of the current commercially available literature for the contrabass reveals that none of

them provide comprehensive information and guidance dealing with a host of aspects that need to

be incorporated in one’s playing. Details pertaining to cultural context, orchestral context, vibrato,

phrasing, dynamics, and preparation need to be discussed in order to produce an effective, multi-

faceted didactic companion.

I. Rationale

A gap exists within the currently available pedagogical resources for contrabassists. Currently,

few - if any - comprehensive contrabass guidebooks exist. The texts that are useful have a deficiency

of instructional assistance, and have the potential to be made redundant by easy access to the

International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP)3, a resourceful database compiling thousands of

musical scores, partnered with a rising number of websites pertaining to orchestral excerpts. For

example, the website www.doublebassexcerpts.com offers a wide range of excerpts, displays the

sheet music (often the most commonly used published orchestral parts) and incorporates three

1 Mariko Anraku, “The Orchestral Audition.” World Harp Congress Review 8 (2003): 15.

2 Donald Peck, “Audition Time”, Flute Talk 21 (2001): 5.

3 International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP), Petrucci Music Library. http://imslp.org/

3

recordings of professional orchestras with pioneering conductors. The currently available

guidebooks are both deficient in content, and are superseded by the quality of resources readily

available online. This is the grounds for this research and one of many reasons why it would be

beneficial to have a fresh, new text. This research will explore this gap in resources, and will propose

a new model and format for orchestral excerpt guidebooks.

II. Research Questions

The research questions for this dissertation cover the audition process as a whole, and explore

the different pathways that an aspiring orchestral musician might take in order to achieve success.

These questions are designed to gather information and break down obstacles that musicians may

face in the lead up to an audition:

How are current Australian orchestral contrabass auditions structured? What repertoire is

required as part of this process?

Why do musicians win or lose auditions? Are there some effective strategies for success?

How helpful is the current existing orchestral excerpt literature to contrabass players?

Is it possible to create more comprehensive and useful literature?

III. Methodology

A number of different research techniques were used in order to gather information and

produce findings, including document searches and analyses, interviews, one-on-one lessons with

experts in the contrabass field and practise-led research. The process taken is outlined below:

1) Document retrieval: A series of emails were sent out to the librarians of each professional

orchestra in Australia requesting an archival search of past auditions and audition lists.

When they were received, the audition documents were examined in order to determine

which were the most commonly requested orchestral excerpts and solo works. From this, a

statistical table was assembled displaying the excerpts and how frequently they were

required in Australian contrabass auditions. A selection of seven excerpts was taken from

the top polling results; the list includes symphonic excerpts and opera orchestra solos.

2) Literature review: All of the contrabass excerpt books currently commercially available in

Australia were sourced and examined. These books were reviewed and scrutinised to gauge

4

the range and type of information provided by each author and editor. Along with this, a

review of other instrument excerpt books was conducted to see whether there are any

better models available for this type of resource.

3) Gathering information: Interviews were conducted with some of Australia’s leading

contrabass players and orchestral audition panellists to explore different strategies leading

up to an audition. These interviews focused on audition preparation, passing an audition,

practise strategies and excerpt analysis from a performance perspective. The interviews

were conducted with contrabassists from three of Australia’s professional state orchestras

and they explored different ways of deconstructing and preparing each orchestral excerpt.

Amongst many musical facets, the discussion covered topics including: colour palette, types

of vibrato, appropriate bow use, rhythmic applications, technical obstacles, orchestral

context, creativity, and musicianship. These interviews were audio recorded and

transcriptions are provided in the appendices of this dissertation. These interviews provided

great insight and valuable information.

4) Guidebook creation: A multi-faceted and detailed guide to the preparation and

performance of the seven most requested contrabass excerpts was created (Chapter 5 of

this dissertation). The information includes background about the composer and context in

which the larger work was written. Along with this, a breakdown of the various challenging

aspects of the excerpts, based on the information gathered through the interview process,

was written out. This research leads directly to an examination of the effective practise

techniques, contextual aspects to consider and various approaches to performing the

excerpt in an audition setting. The breakdown of each excerpt in Chapter 5 covers a broad

range of issues that aspiring professionals will encounter while preparing audition excerpts.

IV. Literature Review

A number of published contrabass orchestral excerpt books are available in Australia. These

books generally present a comprehensive range of key orchestral excerpts: excerpts which are

frequently requested in professional auditions. There are also several books that focus on the

5

repertoire of one or a few composers. Oscar Zimmerman4, for example, has published ten excerpt

books which are specific to Beethoven, Brahms, Bach, Tchaikovsky and others. It is beneficial to

study these books, but they lack a detailed analysis that would help students overcome obstacles. In

general, all of the commercially available contrabass orchestral excerpt books provide advice limited

to the issues of bowings and fingerings. The usefulness of Zimmerman’s books, for example, would

be greatly enhanced through the inclusion of sections or chapters devoted to advice and guidance,

particularly in the book dedicated to the works of Richard Strauss. For example, the Also Sprach

Zarathustra excerpt presents challenges which may seem overwhelming due to its musical

complexity and length. A section dedicated to tackling this would greatly assist the preparation of

this excerpt. The Orchester Probespiel texts published by Maβmann and Reinke5 are similarly limited.

They provide a useful compilation of excerpts, but their advice is limited to bowings and fingerings.

An examination of orchestral excerpt books prepared for other instruments reveals some more

effective models for such resource books. For example, more comprehensive and multi-faceted

advice can be found in an excerpt book compiled by Randy Max entitled Orchestral Excerpts for

Timpani6. Incorporated in Max’s text are well supported and reliable instructions on how to prepare

for each excerpt. Max also provides suggestions on how to be actively aware in an orchestral setting,

as well as analysis, tempo recommendations, practise techniques, orchestral context and

deconstructive practise. Max also inserts scans of the original editions generally used in the

orchestral setting. This text surpasses any other contrabass excerpt book that has been found, as it

offers a more thoughtful approach and outlines structured preparatory processes. Similarly, John

Tafoya’s The Working Timpanist’s Survival Guide; A Practical Approach to Audition Excerpts for the

Orchestral Timpanist7 contains a deconstruction and analysis of twenty-two of the most frequently

requested timpani audition excerpts. This book is clearly formatted, displays the excerpt taken from

the published orchestral score, shows the bar numbers of the excerpt and the movement from

which it comes, a recommended tempo, recommended mallets, some important considerations as

well as a few practise tips. Overall, Tafoya offers useful performance practises for the student and

professional timpanist, thus making it a valuable text for performance practise, preparation and

4 Zimmerman, Oscar G. The Complete Double Bass Parts of Beethoven Nine Symphonies and Leonore

No. 3 Overture. Interlochen, Michigan: Zimmerman Publications, 1970.

5 Maβmann, Fritz and Gerd Reinke. Orchester Probespiel. Mainsz: Schott, 1992. 6 Max, Randy. Orchestral Excerpts for Timpani. Thedore Presser Company, 2010.

7 Tafoya, John. The working timpanist's survival guide: a practical approach to audition excerpts for

the orchestral timpanist. Carl Fischer, LLC, 2004.

6

routine. Both of these books include compact disks featuring orchestral performances of each

excerpt.

Many theses and dissertations pertaining to the study of orchestral excerpts and the audition

process are accessible online. Many have been submitted for the degree for Doctor of Musical Arts,

published in America. They offer detailed studies and analyses of selected orchestral repertoire

specific to instruments such as the violin and cello. Lawrence Anthony Brandolino’s dissertation in

performance entitled “A Study of Orchestral Audition Repertoire for Violin”8 “attempts to satisfy the

need for a curriculum of audition repertoire study in the applied lesson”9. Brandolino’s document

focuses on performance problems found in 373 surveyed excerpts and offers solutions with regard

to bowings, fingerings and metronome markings. This resource is helpful but does not offer broad

content identifying problems and suggested solutions. Susan Elizabeth Moyer’s dissertation “A

Detailed Study of Selected Orchestral Excerpts for Cello”10 functions in a similar vein to that of

Brandolino. Moyer offers an all rounded, informational package to combat the difficulties of

auditions and a well-informed deconstruction of how to prepare selected cello excerpts. She

identifies and analyses the pressure points of each excerpt and suggests ways to contest these areas.

Moyer references her advice with numerous scholarly articles and book reviews. The resource is

clearly formatted and comprehensive.

However, there do not appear to be any similar dissertations or theses pertaining specifically to

the contrabass, although a number of theses specific to the orchestral audition repertoire for the

piccolo, flute, clarinet, French horn, trumpet, trombone and tuba have been sourced. Two

dissertations focus on the contrabass: one focusing on the audition process itself, and another that

deals with overcoming technical barriers based on étude studies. However, there are none that

focus on deconstructing contrabass excerpts.

8 Brandolino, Lawrence Anthony. "A Study of Orchestral Audition Repertoire for Violin." University of

Missouri-Kansas City Conseravtory of Music, 1997.

9 Susan Elizabeth Moyer, "A Detailed Study of Selected Orchestral Excerpts for Cello." (DMA diss.,

University of Miami, 2009): 8. 10 Moyer, Susan Elizabeth. “A Detailed Study of Selected Orchestral Excerpts for Cello.” (DMA diss.,

University of Miami, 2009).

7

Tony Brandolino’s article “Winning an Orchestral Audition: Advice from the Pros”11 offers a

range of suggestions and reiterates the importance of preparation and practise. Brandolino

emphasises that one can never be over-prepared, whether it is playing the concerto for the purposes

of demonstrating showmanship, or preparing and presenting the orchestral excerpts. In his

discussion with orchestral concertmasters, Brandolino presents a checklist of essential audition

abilities: secure intonation, stable rhythm, the ability to blend with a section, musicality and a solid

tone.

In May 2014, The Strad12 published an insightful article informed by London Symphony

Orchestra (LSO) first violinist, Maxine Kwok-Adams, entitled “How to be Successful in an Orchestral

Audition”13. Presented in a question and answer format, Kwok-Adams recommends a variety of

preparatory techniques. She underlines the importance of being prepared, and advises on how

technology can assist in this process. She comments that, from her observations of being on audition

panels, many candidates are not familiar enough with the excerpts that they are required to play.

This deficiency can be resolved through better preparation research, for example, listening to

recordings and gathering contextual knowledge. Kwok-Adams asserts that orchestral excerpts are of

greater importance than the chosen concerto in LSO auditions. If one dazzles in their concerto but

comes up short in presenting rhythmically stable, in-tune and well-informed excerpts, it is unlikely

they will succeed in the audition. With the ubiquity of online recordings, there is no excuse for

candidates to fall short in their research of the repertoire.

In the same issue of The Strad, an article written by Chicago Symphony Orchestra cellist Brant

Taylor entitled “10 Tips for a Successful Orchestral Audition”14 offers advice in the form of anecdotal

gems to hopeful candidates. Taylor stresses that the best antidote for anxiety is preparation. The

more one is prepared, the less stressed they will be. He emphasises the importance of producing a

good sound, accepting that things might not go the way that one plans, and that the panel is always

interested to see how one recovers from mistakes if they do occur.

11Tony L. Brandolino, “Winning an Orchestral Audition: Advice from the Pros,” American String

Teacher 49 (1999): 29 – 31. 12 The Strad Digital Magazine [on-line]. http://www.thestrad.com/digital-magazine/

13 Maxine Kwok-Adams, “How to be Successful in an Orchestral Audition,” The Strad [online blog],

May 1, 2014. Accessed October 4, 2015. http://www.thestrad.com/cpt-latests/how-to-be-successful-in-an-

orchestral-audition/ 14 Brant Taylor, “10 Tips for a Successful Orchestral Audition,” The Strad [online blog], May 6, 2014.

Accessed October 4, 2015. http://www.thestrad.com/cpt-latests/10-tips-for-a-successful-orchestral-audition/

8

A valuable resource for all musicians, albeit specific to trumpeters, is Heather Victoria

Rodabaugh’s DMA dissertation entitled “Preparation for Orchestral Trumpet Auditions: The

Perspectives of Three Prominent Orchestra Players”15. In this research, Rodabaugh interviews three

orchestral trumpet players and both unpacks the audition process and provides advice on selected

excerpts. Advice from trumpeters Robert Platt and Marie Speziale is summarised by two major

points: “the most difficult aspect of an audition is mental attitude, and the concept of each excerpt

must be so strong that it is as though you brought the rest of the orchestra in with you. Along with

this, is the importance of professional decorum, preparation and having only one shot to make a

good first impression.”16

In recent years, there have been a number of published books on the issues of performance

psychology that are encountered by classical musicians. These books are designed to assist

performers to train their minds before and during an audition. Olympic sports psychologist Don

Greene Ph.D. has written two books - Performance Success17 and Audition Success18 which explore

the power of the mind in high pressure situations. Both books are valuable as they discuss real life

situations and how to best deal with them. Incorporating many interviews with American

professional musicians, these texts systematically examine the psychological obstacles that

musicians face in preparation for an audition. These texts provide thoughtful anecdotes and useful

processes to preparation for auditions.

In a similar vein, Martin Wulfhorst’s The Orchestral Violinist’s Companion is a comprehensive

text which explains the violinist’s position in the orchestra. Its topics include issues that are faced by

professional orchestral violinists such as learning repertoire, practising, sight reading, technique and

how to conduct oneself in an audition. This is a valuable text that provides answers to a myriad of

questions.

15 Rodabaugh, Heather Victoria. “Preparation for Orchestral Trumpet Auditions: The Perspectives of

Three Prominent Orchestra Players” (DMA diss., University of Oklahoma School of Music, 2008).

16 Heather Victoria Rodabaugh, “Preparation for Orchestral Trumpet Auditions: The Perspectives of

Three Prominent Orchestra Players” (DMA diss., University of Oklahoma School of Music, 2008): 29.

17 Greene, Don. Performance Success Performing Your Best Under Pressure. New York: Routledge, 2002. 18 Greene, Don. Audition Success. New York: Routledge, 2001.

9

Chapter 1: What is an audition? How is it structured and operated?

When a full-time vacancy arises in an Australian symphony orchestra, a new player is

appointed following an audition process. An audition allows a range of applicants to showcase their

skills to a judging panel appointed by the orchestra. The goal of the panel is to identify the applicant

or applicants who best demonstrate mastery of instrumental technique, comprehensive knowledge

of the literature and persuasive musicianship.

In Australian symphony orchestras, vacant positions can either be tenured or contracted.

Obtaining a full-time tenured orchestral job is preferred by many musicians as it allows them to build

experience, financial stability, job security, musical credibility, satisfaction and community service.

Contracted jobs – which can vary in length from months to years – are offered by some orchestras.

Tenure offers stability and contracted positions allow a frequent turnover of musicians within the

orchestra.

In Australia, professional orchestras advertise full-time vacancies on their websites, through

their networks, and in online sites such as ‘Musical Chairs’ and ‘Music Australia’. Occasionally,

orchestras will also advertise in print, that is, in newspapers or orchestral magazines. To apply for a

vacant position, one first sends an application to the hiring orchestra. In this day and age, technology

plays a major role in communication. The applicant must send in a résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)

which outlines their experience, education, achievements and personal details. “Résumés are a huge

giveaway, so making yours clear and concise so that it explains in seconds exactly what you’ve done

is a huge benefit.”19 If the number of applicants is expansive, a CV review may be conducted, the list

of applicants may be narrowed down, and a shortlist of candidates may be created. For those who

successfully win the audition round, a trial or probation period is generally granted with the length

decided by the orchestra. The purpose of the trial is not only about playing within the orchestra, but

to examine issues such as “musically blending with the ensemble, and showing the highest standards

of professional behaviours and musical preparedness.”20

A list of the performance requirements for an audition is usually sent out to applicants either

via email or by post. There is a lot of variation as to when this process occurs. Often, but not always,

the excerpts are sent to candidates two weeks prior to the audition. On some occasions, they are

19 Chloe Cutts, “Making It (Career Tips)”, Double Bassist n25 (2003): 17

20 Christopher Rose, “An Orchestra Audition Preparation Handbook for Bass Players” (DMA diss.,

Arizona State University, 2011): 33.

10

distributed months ahead, and at other times weeks ahead. Whichever the case, it is paramount

that preparation of the excerpts begin immediately.

The structure of an audition is usually broken down into three parts: orchestral excerpts,

solo concerto and sight reading. Each applicant prepares a list of excerpts chosen by the orchestra.

The number of excerpts chosen varies, and is dependent on the vacant position or on the preference

of the panel chairman. Auditions for principal and associate principal positions generally have a

larger number and range of excerpts, whereas auditions for casual musicians are often short and

limited. The primary purpose of these excerpts is to identify which candidates have a thorough

understanding of the literature as well as technical proficiency and good sound production. The solo

concerto is an opportunity for the candidate to showcase their musicality and style as a musician.

Often, a movement from two contrasting concertos is requested, and usually the exposition of the

first movement will be heard. The primary purpose of this is to gauge the candidate’s sense of

musical style and technical ability. This opportunity also helps to settle nerves and allows the

musician to get accustomed to the venue acoustics. Some orchestras, but not all, will have a sight

reading component in the audition. This is to judge how a musician interprets music upon reading it,

their response to what is marked on the page and their ability to maintain a logical flow despite

making mistakes.

In the days leading up to an audition, applicants may be offered a time to rehearse their

concerto with an accompanist provided by the orchestra. On the day of the audition, each applicant

will be shown to a warm-up room. The warm-up room may be a private, quiet room that allows

undistracted mental preparation, or it could be a communal, noisy environment which all applicants

have to share. At the conclusion of the audition, the panel confers and decides on the success of the

applicants. When all applicants have progressed through the round, the panel’s decision is relayed to

the candidates by a member of the managerial staff. Applicants are entitled to request feedback

from the panel after the audition, which is almost always granted. Post-audition feedback may be

delivered in person, over the phone or via email.

The structure of the audition is generally broken down into a series of rounds. All auditioning

candidates are heard in Round 1. The panel decides how many excerpts it will hear during the first

round; generally they choose a small selection of excerpts from the larger list prepared by the

applicants. At the conclusion of this round the panel will discuss the candidates and decide which

applicants will proceed further in the process. Once the first round has concluded, the notification of

success or otherwise will be made by a managerial staff member, and the successful candidates

11

compete in Round 2. The panel will usually request a different selection of excerpts in the second

round. The selection procedure continues at the end of each round with the process of elimination

continuing until the panel is satisfied that the remaining applicant/s has/have met the desired

standard. It is possible that none of the applicants will be deemed to have met the requirements of

the orchestra, and thus no appointment will be made.

The panel of adjudicating musicians has the responsibility of deciding which applicant/s

has/have successfully met the desired standard. In Australia, the panel can be small or large; it may

comprise of a number of principal players from the orchestra, a whole section of the orchestra, or

even the whole orchestra itself. Sometimes the principal conductor of the orchestra will sit on the

panel along with members of the managerial staff. In some cases, an outside professional may be

asked to sit on the panel to offer an additional expert opinion.

Australian orchestras also make use of a variety of venues. Auditions may be held on the

stage of a concert hall, in a moderately-sized rehearsal room or in a small practise room. Every

venue will present different acoustical challenges. The auditions also may be screened, whereby a

screen is placed between the musician and panel, ensuring anonymity on both sides of the audition.

This is to eliminate bias and ensure fairness to each candidate.

Many Australian orchestras offer the option to do a recorded audition rather than a live

audition. Sending a recording is generally preferred by international applicants and their auditions

are submitted via audio or visual audio tape. In a recorded audition, the candidate records the

required excerpts and repertoire in a continuous take (or as specified by the auditioning orchestra)

and submits it as their application for the vacant position. At times the request for only live auditions

or only recorded auditions will be made. The method is at the discretion of the auditioning

orchestra.

12

Chapter 2: What are the most commonly requested contrabass excerpts and solos?

The role of the contrabass within an orchestra is arguably one of the least recognised, yet

most important. The contrabass section functions as a harmonic foundation, provides a rhythmic

basis, and can offer an attentive accompaniment. At times, the contrabass section and/or its leader

will perform solo. As a result, audition panels tend to request a list of excerpts which require each

applicant to showcase these attributes. The orchestral contrabass literature encapsulates a range of

challenges faced in the orchestra, as well as the rare solo or section soli.

I have examined Australian orchestral audition papers dating from 1975 to July 2015,

retrieved from the archives of numerous professional Australian state orchestras. The following list

shows the frequency with which individual orchestral excerpts are requested from the twenty-eight

Australian contrabass auditions I have sourced:

Composer Work Section Frequency

Strauss, Richard Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40 Figure 9 – 4 Bars after Figure 11

22

Beethoven, Ludwig Van Symphony No. 5, Op. 67 Movement III; Scherzo Bar 1 - 95

13

Beethoven, Ludwig Van Symphony No. 5, Op. 67 Movement III; Trio Bar 140 - 177

13

Beethoven, Ludwig Van Symphony No. 9, Op. 125 Movement IV; Bar 1 - 90

12

Verdi, Giuseppe Otello Act IV; Figure U to 7 Bars after Figure X

12

Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus

Symphony No. 40, K550 Movement I; Bar 114-135

10

Prokofiev, Sergei Lieutenant Kijé Suite Op. 60 Movement II; Bar 3 – 10

10

Stravinsky, Igor Pulcinella Suite Movement VII; Vivo

10

Berlioz, Hector Symphonie Fantastique, H 48 Movement V; Bar 201 - 305

9

Figure 1. Table listing requested excerpt frequencies

13

Berlioz, Hector Symphonie Fantastique, H 48 Movement IV; 10 Bars after Figure 56 –

2 Bars after Figure 59

9

Ginastera, Alberto Variationes Concertantes Op. 23 Movement XI 8

Beethoven, Ludwig Van Symphony No. 9, Op. 125 Movement IV; Bar 431 - 525

7

Brahms, Johannes Symphony No. 2, Op. 73 Movement II; Bar 47 - 55

7

Mahler, Gustav Symphony No. 1 Movement III; Bar 3 - 10

7

Schubert, Franz Symphony No. 9, D944 Movement III; Figure B – 4 Bars after

Figure C

7

Shostakovich, Dmitri Symphony No. 5, Op. 47 Movement I; 3 Bars after Figure 23 – 4 Bars after

Figure 26

7

Brahms, Johannes Symphony No. 2, Op. 73 Movement IV; Bar 244 - 279

6

Britten, Benjamin Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra

Variation H 6

Ginastera, Alberto Concerto for Strings, Op. 33 Movement IV; Variation IV, 9 Bars before Figure

70 to the end

6

Mahler, Gustav Symphony No. 3 Movement I; Figure 43 – 1 Bar after Figure 47

6


Symphony No. 39, K543 Movement I; Bar 14 – 20, 40 – 52, 86 – 96

6


Symphony No. 39, K543 Movement IV; Bar 105 - 137

6


Symphony No. 41, K551 Movement IV; Bar 1 - 135

6

Brahms, Johannes Symphony No. 2, Op. 73 Movement I; Bar 55 – 66, 150 – 156, 212 – 222, 282 – 289,

418 – 424

5

Langlais, Jean Organ Concerto Figure 2 5

Strauss, Richard Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 4 Bars before Figure 3 – 16 Bars after Figure 3

5

14

Brahms, Johannes Symphony No. 1, Op. 68 Movement II; Bar 47 – 60

4

Haydn, Joseph Symphony No. 8, Hob. 1:8 Movement III; Trio Bar 37 - 82

4

Strauss, Richard Don Juan, Op. 20 Beginning until Figure D, Figure F – 3 Bars before

Figure G

4

Britten, Benjamin Variations on a theme of Frank Bridge

March; Beginning to End (Bar 1 – 45)

3

Beethoven, Ludwig Van Symphony No. 4, Op. 60 Movement II; Bar 35 - 41 3

Milhaud, Darius La Creation du Monde 1 Bar before Figure 11 – 3 Bars after Figure 15

3


Symphony No. 35, K385 Beginning – Bar 54, Bar 134 - 197

3


Symphony No. 40, K550 Movement IV; Bar 49 – 70, Bar 228 – 247

3

Bach, Johann Sebastian Orchestral Suite No. 2 BWV 1067

Badinerie; Beginning to End (Bar 1 – 39)

2

Beethoven, Ludwig Van Symphony No. 5, Op. 67 Movement II; Bar 114 - 123

2

Prokofiev, Sergei Romeo and Juliet Suite 2, Op. 64 Movement V; 5 Bars before Figure 50 –

Figure 51

2

Tchaikovsky, Pyotr Ilyich Symphony No. 4, Op 36 Movement I; 3 Bars after Figure B – 6 Bars before

Figure D, Figure P – 1 Bar after Figure Q

2

Weber, Carl Maria von Euryanthe, Op. 81 Overture; 5 Bars after Figure B – Figure C, 12 Bars before Figure G –

End

2

Bartók, Béla Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116 Figure 35 – Figure 58 1

Bartók, Béla Music for Strings, Percussion and Celeste

Movement I; 2 Bars after Figure 35 – 2 Bars after

Figure 55

1

Beethoven, Ludwig Van Symphony No. 1, Op. 21 Movement I; Bar 12– 52, 65 – 100

1

15

Beethoven, Ludwig Van Symphony No. 3, Op. 92 Movement III; Bar 31 – 127

1

Beethoven, Ludwig Van Symphony No. 7, Op. 92 Movement I; Bar 277 - 300

1

Britten, Benjamin Peter Grimes Scene 1; 2 Bars before Figure 11 – 1 Bar after

Figure 12

1

Françaix, Jean Six Preludes for String Orchestra Movement IV; Beginning – 2 Bars after Figure 18

1

Haydn, Joseph Symphony No. 31, Hob. 1:31 Movement IV; Variation 7 1

Haydn, Joseph Symphony No. 45, Hob. 1:45 Movement II; Bar 55 – 67 1

Hindson, Matthew Auto Electric 3 Bars after Figure H – 2 Bars after Figure I

1

Mahler, Gustav Symphony No. 9 Movement IV; Bar 3 – 24

1

Mendelssohn, Felix Symphony No. 4, Op. 90 Movement I; Bar 269 – 334

1

Mendelssohn, Felix Symphony No. 4, Op. 90 Movement IV; Bar 32 – 52

1

Saint-Saëns, Camille Carnival of the Animals Movement V; L’Éléphant 1

Schoenberg, Arnold Chamber Symphony No. 1, Op. 9 2 Bars before Figure 97 – 3 Bars after Figure 99

1

Strauss, Richard Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche, Op. 28

4 Bars before Figure 18 – 6 Bars before Figure 20

1


8 Bars before Figure 31 – Figure 32

1


3 Bars before Figure 37 – 10 Bars before Figure 38

1

Tchaikovsky, Pyotr Ilyich 1812 Festival Overture, Op. 49 5 Bars after Figure A – Figure C

1

Tchaikovsky, Pyotr Ilyich Serenade for Strings, Op. 48 Movement I; Bar 37 – 51, 91 – 99, 107 – 111, 146 –

154, 226 – 230

1

Williamson, Malcolm Sinfonietta Grave 1

16

Most Australian contrabass auditions also require the applicant to perform one or more

movements from a solo concerto. An examination of Australian auditions shows that the most

frequently requested solo concerti are works by Giovanni Bottesini, Serge Koussevitzky, Carl Ditters

von Dittersdorf and Jean Baptiste Vanhal – i.e. two classical and two romantic concerti – each

presenting technical and musical challenges. The solo works provide applicants with an opportunity

to showcase their musical ability, technique and style in a solo context.

Composer Work

Bottesini, Giovanni Concerto No. 2 in B Minor

Dittersdorf, Carl Ditters von Concerto No. 2 in D Major

Koussevitzky, Serge Contrabass Concerto Op. 3

Vanhal, Jean Baptiste Double Bass Concerto in C Major

Dittersdorf’s Concerto for Contrabass No. 2 in D Major and Vanhal’s Double Bass Concerto in

C Major are both technically intricate and need to be performed with stylistic accuracy.

The romantic challenges of Serge Koussevitzky’s Contrabass Concerto Op. 3 and Giovanni

Bottesini’s Double Bass Concerto No. 2 in B Minor exhibit marked musical differences. Commonly, a

candidate would play a movement from each concerto of both eras, with a cadenza.

In addition to the four works above, there are popular concerti by composers including Franz

Anton Hoffmeister, Antonio Capuzzi, Domenico Dragonetti and Eduard Tubin. Occasionally,

Australian orchestras offer applicants the opportunity to present a solo work of their choice.

Figure 2. Table listing the four main contrabass concerti

17

Chapter 3: What are the secrets of success? Strategies and approaches that win or lose

auditions.

Winning a full-time orchestral position is a key moment in the life and career of many

aspiring contrabass players. However, competition is fierce, and few contrabass positions become

available in Australia each year.

For a musician, the opportunity to perform a professional audition may arise at any point of

their career. Auditions and their preparation can be physically and mentally demanding, whilst also

being a great learning experience. Performing in an audition is considered by many musicians to be

one of the most stressful situations they may face.21 The stress that applicants experience can arise

from a number of factors including the venue and location of the audition, the size or attitude of the

panel, the difficulty of the excerpts or solo work, or the perceived importance of the audition to the

applicant’s life and career. In an audition, the important result may be decided on in minutes after

many years of the applicant’s disciplined practise, and the audition is usually held in the presence of

a panel of musicians with an esteemed degree of experience and expertise. The commonly shared

feelings of stress experienced by musicians prior to an audition can be managed through mental and

practical preparation, cognitive behaviour therapy, exercise and other strategies that support the

individual.

In Australia, it is rare for a contrabass player to win an audition at their first attempt.22 “In

order to land an orchestral job, you must not only be prepared, but also be extremely

persistent.”23Each experience can inform and enrich each subsequent audition opportunity, yet the

requirement is always to be fully prepared musically, physically and mentally. “You need to know the

literature really well. If you start to learn it on the day you get the audition list, it’s too late.”24 It is

recommended that musicians accumulate a library of orchestral excerpts and resources for personal

reference and practise. This library is invaluable for aspiring professionals as it assists them to

21 K, R. Violist of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Interview by the author, October 2015.

22 S, A. Principal Contrabassist of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Interview by the author, October 2015.

23 Tony L. Brandolino, “Pre-Professional Perspectives - Winning an Orchestral Audition: Advice from

the Pros (Concertmasters Samuel Thaviu, Linda Thomassen, and David Halen),” American String Teacher 49

(1999): 31.

24 Mary Stolper, “Master Class: Preparing for Auditions,” Windplayer: for Woodwind and Brass

Musicians 60 (1999): 37.

18

maintain their knowledge of excerpts at a high standard, so that when a position becomes vacant,

most of the notes are familiar and can be re-learnt to a high standard in a short space of time.

The preparation involved for an audition includes developing a thorough understanding of

each excerpt; and an important aspect of this is knowing why each excerpt has been chosen. One

must identify the variety of challenges that each excerpt presents. This includes becoming familiar

with the whole work in which the excerpts appear and comprehending how one’s part fits within

this larger work. “The best players give you a sense that you can hear the rest of the orchestra

around them.”25 The resources and recordings that are readily available online today can be

extremely valuable in the preparation of orchestral excerpts. There are a myriad of video and audio

recordings featuring an extensive range of orchestras available on websites such as YouTube26, and

in accessible databases such as the Naxos Music Library27. These options offer a number of high

quality orchestral performances; on YouTube, one can watch a performance of a world class

orchestra with a renowned conductor at no cost. Aspiring professionals can use these resources to

study the tempo of each excerpt, to observe the orchestral context of the excerpt, take note of

which bowings and fingerings are used, to understand the harmonic context of the music and the

importance of playing the correct rhythm.

Listen to recordings of any of the excerpts listed that you may not have heard in full

orchestral context. It will not do your chances any good if you are playing the excerpt

with great confidence in your audition, blissfully unaware that the piece usually goes

twice as fast!28

The modern digital world offers a prolific range of easily accessible resources and online

databases. However, until recently, the procedure for locating resources was far different.

Recordings were found on compact records and cassette tapes, and were only available for purchase

or loan from a shop or library. Sourcing recordings often took a great deal of time. The amount of

recorded material now available online allows applicants to familiarise themselves with music

performed by different orchestras and conductors, or in a different style. Extensive listening

25 Peter Kogan, “Auditioning for the Minnesota Orchestra.” Percussive Notes 37 (1999):21.

26 YouTube – online video sharing website, https://www.youtube.com/

27 Naxos Music Library – Online database storing classical music recordings,

http://ecowan.naxosmusiclibrary.com.ezproxy.ecu.edu.au/

28 Nicholas Vallis-Davis, “Getting to Grips with Auditions,” PAN The Journal of the British Flute Society

20 (2001): 12.

19

preparation helps musicians to establish a reliable and consistent memory of the music, style and

tempo.

“After you have all the right notes, rhythm, dynamics and intonation, the work really

begins.”29 Being deeply familiar with the music allows the performer to build creativity,

interpretation and control. This musical confidence can be reflected in contrasts in dynamic,

nuanced phrasing, rhythmic stability and personal style. “Many who play all the right notes, but lack

personality in their sound, rarely win auditions.”30

In an audition, it is important to demonstrate secure and consistent intonation, solid

rhythmic stability, good sound production, technical mastery, persuasive melodic phrasing and

confident knowledge of the literature. “The number one skill you need to get into an orchestra is

good rhythm.”31 Candidates should seek to demonstrate that they are conscientious, have done

their research and are serious about filling the vacant position. It is unusual for a candidate who is

underprepared to succeed in an audition. “If players are struggling with intonation, quality of sound,

or any of the fundamentals of playing, they should reconsider taking an audition”32. Progress to

subsequent rounds in an audition depends on secure intonation, rhythmic stability, suitable and

stable tempi, style and contextual understanding. If the candidate has not demonstrated a

fundamental level of competency, they will be passed over by the panel. “There will always be

another audition at a later time, but a bad first impression can never be reversed. Be committed to

making a good first impression.”33

Australian contrabass auditions usually require applicants to perform both a requested

concerto and list of excerpts. Candidates often underestimate the importance of the orchestral

excerpts.34 Sometimes applicants put a lot of effort into showcasing a dazzling concerto, but give the

29 Donald Peck, “Audition Time”, Flute Talk 21 (2001):6.

30 Tony L. Brandolino, “Winning an Orchestral Audition: Advice from the Pros,” American String

Teacher 49, 2 (1999): 39.

31 John Bruce Yeh, “Clarinet Master Class: Preparing for Orchestral Auditions,” Windplayer 65 (2002-

2003): 36.

32 Heather Victoria Rodabaugh, “Preparation for Orchestral Trumpet Auditions: The Perspectives of

Three Prominent Orchestra Players” (DMA diss., University of Oklahoma School of Music, 2008), 28.




20

excerpts little attention and thus fall short in the audition.35 “Candidates must remember that the

job they are going for will require them to play orchestral repertoire for many years to come, rather

than pursuing a solo focused career”36. The concerto is an important part of the audition structure as

it gives the candidate the opportunity to showcase their musicianship, soloistic flair, and creative

style. Concerti give the panel an insight to the candidate’s artistry as well as their stylistic and

musical decisions. They also help to ease the candidate into the new environment and get

accustomed to the room they are playing in. The concerto should be fundamentally strong and well

prepared, but it is important to note that a perfect concerto performance will not get you an

orchestral job. A less-than-perfect concerto performance partnered with persuasive and intelligently

played excerpts can still appeal strongly to an audition panel. However, an impressive concerto

combined with uninformed and complacent attitude towards the excerpts will not get anyone past

the first round.37 “The balance of the audition is heavily tipped in favour of how the excerpts are

played.”38

Along with excerpt research, it is important to have an understanding of the performance

style and personality of the auditioning orchestra.39 It is very useful to build a knowledge of how the

contrabass section plays, what type of bow strokes they use, how the different sections

communicate and interact, and the types of personalities that musicians they have – whether there

is an extroverted approach or a more introverted style.40 Some orchestras encourage their members

to move around during performances; in extreme cases, some members play as if they are an

international soloist. Other orchestras prefer a more disciplined physical approach, whereby

movement is minimal so it does not distract other musicians. This approach varies from orchestra to

orchestra and country to country, and it is important to understand this. If one can’t attend the

orchestra’s concert, then finding recordings online is the next best thing. It is a good idea to

approach a member of the section from the auditioning orchestra and to request some lessons.41

35 Maxine Kwok-Adams, “How to be Successful in an Orchestral Audition,” The Strad [online blog]

(May 2014). Accessed October 4, 2015.

36Maxine Kwok-Adams, “How to be Successful in an Orchestral Audition,” The Strad [online blog] (May

2014). Accessed October 4, 2015.


38 Nicholas Vallis-Davis, “Getting to Grips with Auditions,” PAN The Journal of the British Flute Society

20 (2001): 12.

39 D C, A. Violinist, International Soloist and Associate Professor of Strings at the Western Australian

Academy of Performing Arts. Interview by the author, October 2015.

40 Ibid.

41 Ibid.

21

The section player’s suggestions and advice will be well informed and invaluable in preparing for an

audition.42 If applicants can organise lessons with a section member, it should be done well in

advance of the audition so that the player’s suggestions can be taken on board, assimilated,

retained, and practised.

Go to lessons three, four weeks before if you’ve got the excerpts that far in advance

and work through and go several times to the same person while you get help from

them. Because so many people don’t play for anyone and then they get there and there

are glaring errors that could’ve been fixed by one person listening.43

Even if you are not able to organise a lesson with someone from the auditioning orchestra, it

is important to simulate a mock audition routine; performing the audition excerpt by excerpt in an

appropriate venue and not stopping if a mistake is made. By doing this, one gets accustomed to the

pace of the audition setting, and nothing will come as a surprise in the real event.

Play your solo and your excerpts in front of as many people as you can, as many times

as you can. Anyone you play in front of will add an element of tension for a

performance, and can be used to ascertain where problems are when the adrenaline

flows.44

It will be unpredictable prior to the audition to know which room the proceedings will take

place in. To be prepared for this, one is advised to practise in a variety of rooms that are different

sizes and built with different materials. It is advised that one understands how their instrument

reacts in a dense, carpeted room compared to a wooden floorboard room; being familiar with one’s

instrument will allow oneself to readily adapt to unfamiliar environments. If the audition is held on

the stage at a concert hall, the recommendation is that an applicant should focus on a full tone

production rather than trying to fill the whole hall with sound.45

If a candidate decides to submit an audition via tape, it is recommended that it should

be done in a professional studio. This may be expensive, but extremely worth the

money. There is no substitute to submitting a good recording whereby the playing is



44 W, J. Associate Principal Contrabassist of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Interview by

the author, October 2015.

45Heather Victoria Rodabaugh, “Preparation for Orchestral Trumpet Auditions: The Perspectives of

Three Prominent Orchestra Players” (DMA diss., University of Oklahoma School of Music, 2008): 28.

22

clean and crisp, and without any extraneous or distracting noise that impedes one’s

performance.46


23

Chapter 4: Current commercially available excerpt books and their limitations

Orchestral excerpt books can be an extraordinarily valuable resource in the study and

preparation of orchestral auditions. Most orchestral excerpt books are compilations of important

excerpts that are frequently requested on audition lists around the globe. The currently available

contrabass literature offers a comprehensive collection of edited and lightly marked scores;

however, these books are somewhat limited in the scope of their advice. These following texts are

valuable, but are limited or deficient in many respects:

Orchester Probespiel - Maβmann and Reinke47: Prefaced with a brief foreword outlining the

importance on mastering not only solo repertoire, but also, orchestral excerpts, this text provides

musicians with a substantial collection of general orchestral excerpts. The musical scores presented

are clean, consistent and easy to read. Initial tempi, metronome markings and some articulations are

given. Published in 1992, this text does not present many of the orchestral excerpts that are

requested in contemporary auditions. Almost 90% of the excerpts in this book are published without

any indication of bowing or fingering; these excerpts are left blank presumably for the musician to

insert their own. The scope of the advice given is very limited, but at least a legible score is provided

– although it has been re-typeset, and is not a copy of the version used in orchestras. To my

knowledge, this is the only contrabass excerpt book that includes a CD recording of each featured

excerpt.

Schwabe, Oswald - Orchesterstudien Für Alle Instrumente Kontrabass48: Published in a

comprehensive collection of ten volumes, this series of excerpt books offers a wide array of

prominent orchestral excerpts. These books are categorised by composer with two volumes

dedicated to Beethoven. The excerpts are clearly formatted and come with some recommended

bowings and fingerings, along with the score tempo. This resource is useful as a comprehensive

compilation of orchestral excerpts; however, these texts are deficient in offering advice and

background information on context, sound, phrasing, tempo and preparation techniques.

47 Maβmann, Fritz and Gerd Reincke. Orchester Probespiel. Mainsz: Schott, 1992.

48 Schwabe, Oswald. Orchesterstudien Für Alle Instrumente: Kontrabass Vol. 1-9: Hofheim Taunus,

1955.

24

Madenski, Eduard. - STRAUSS Orchesterstudien aus den Symphonischen Werken für

Kontrabass49: This is an extremely valuable excerpt book for any aspiring contrabassist, and the text

is solely devoted to the tone poems of Richard Strauss. The tone poems of Strauss feature some of

the most technically and rhythmically demanding passages for contrabassists. The harmonic shifts

also make these excerpts difficult. Numerous excerpts within ten of Strauss’s major works selected

by Eduard Madenski of the Imperial Opera (Vienna Philharmonic Society) are presented with legible

excerpts copied directly from the printed versions of the music performed by modern orchestras.

These excerpts are marked with suggested fingerings, and have appropriate dynamic, tempo and

musical terminology in both Italian and German, reinforcing the legitimacy of having an orchestral

part. “It is always in your best interest to practise from original parts to avoid errors that seem to

appear in reprints of excerpts in method books.50” This text would benefit from having additional

advice or suggestions, as it is difficult to know how to deconstruct such a challenging excerpt at first

reading. Strauss is notorious for demanding both an athletic and physical approach in the playing of

all instruments, particularly the string section. An aspiring professional using this book will need

additional advice from a contrabass teacher or orchestral player.

Zimmerman, Oscar G. – The Complete Bass Parts51: This resource is published in ten

volumes, each dedicated to a different composer (for example Beethoven, Brahms or Tchaikovsky).

This publication is very comprehensive; it examines a variety of challenging passages from a range of

orchestral works, including many that are not popularly regarded as being prominent excerpts. The

dedication of each volume to a sole composer affords a thorough examination of the entirety of

each of their contrabass parts. “The Zimmerman books are carefully notated orchestra parts

published by the former principal bassist of the New York Philharmonic, and are a valuable resource

that should be purchased by any bass player with an interest in orchestral performance.” 52

49 Madenski, Eduard. STRAUSS Orchesterstudien aus den Symphonischen Werken für Kontrabass.

Frankfurt: Edition peters, 1981.

50 Michael Rosen, “At the orchestral percussion audition.” Percussive Notes 37 (1999): 13. 51 Zimmerman, Oscar G. The Complete Double Bass Parts, Volumes 1 -7. Interlochen, Michigan:

Zimmerman Publications, 1970.



25

Chapter 5: Seven excerpts examined in depth with advice, context and useful information

This chapter aims to partially ‘fill the gap’ within the current commercially available

contrabass repertoire. Informed by the findings of my survey of Australian contrabass audition lists,

seven excerpts have been chosen, deconstructed, analysed and dissected in a number of ways.

The information presented has been gathered by undertaking a series of interviews with

some of Australia’s leading contrabassists: full-time musicians from the Melbourne Symphony

Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. These

interviews have been extraordinarily valuable in my preparation of these excerpts. They have

assisted me to create a comprehensive resource for aspiring orchestral contrabassists. The seven

experts discussed themes centred around preparation, practise and attitude, along with effective

practise strategies. Contributing to this, is my own accumulated knowledge and study of these

excerpts.

I have also undertaken a recording analysis of each excerpt. I have provided tables which

outline the work, the orchestra, conductor, the year of the recording and the tempo of each excerpt.

The aim of this table to is to explore the variety of tempi in the recordings of each work. It is

important for musicians to be aware of the different speeds with which these works have been

played.

I would also like to point out that the recommendations provided in this text should not be

considered as a sole strategy for audition preparation. Rather, I have suggested an approach to

preparing these excerpts; one of a myriad of strategies that an aspiring orchestral contrabassist

might employ. The following paragraphs summarise the expert panel’s views of the key aspects of

each excerpt:

Excerpt 1) Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben presented the common challenges of precise shifting as

well as rhythmic precision, intonation and bow distribution. Each professional contrabassist

recognised the difficulty of this excerpt and suggested a combination of slow and technical practise,

especially in arpeggios and broken thirds.

Excerpt 2) Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G Minor is seen as a particularly difficult excerpt for

bow use. Each musician mentioned that there needs to be a consistency of articulation, clean string

crossings as well as a relationship between the melodic and rhythmic material, along with exciting

phrasing.

26

Excerpt 3) Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 Recitative was seen as an opportunity to showcase

one’s beautiful, rich and full sound production. Each musician recommended being aware of the

traditions of this recitative and emphasised the importance of knowing where rubato is allowed or

expected.

Excerpt 4 and 5) The Scherzo and Trio from Beethoven’s 5th Symphony were

regarded as two very important excerpts. Approaches to conquer these excerpts included slow scale

and arpeggionic practise in double stops and broken thirds, fluid bow motion across all open strings

at a soft dynamic and controlling a consistent spiccato bow stroke.

Excerpt 6) Verdi’s contrabass soli from his opera Otello, focuses on a vocal quality of sound

and being able to showcase contrasts in colour and dynamics that reflect the narrative. This excerpt

also creates colourful changes in character and allows the performer to evoke emotion, passion and

suspense.

Excerpt 7) The Ronde du Sabbat from Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique is an excerpt

that is heavily marked with instructions from the composer. Rapid changes in dynamics, articulation,

character and colour occur within this excerpt, and it is important to be acutely receptive of them.

The experts recommended a very disciplined and methodical approach to preparing this excerpt,

with further recommendation to compartmentalise the work in blocks with slow practise guided by a

metronome. Below is a more thorough examination of these excerpts.

27

Excerpt One

Richard Strauss, Ein Heldenleben Op. 40; Figure 9 to Figure 11

Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life) Op. 40 was completed in 1898, and is the eighth tone poem

in a series of ten; and demands great orchestral bravado. Strauss made a most significant

contribution to program music; deemed a high point for this genre in the late 19th century. In these

works, he extended the musical boundaries, widened the expressive quality of music and pushed

each instrument to their limit. The result was astounding, with the narrative quality being very

impressive.

Strauss grew up in a musical household, composing his first work at the age of six continuing

until his death in 1949. Strauss was encouraged and supported by his father who was a horn player;

he showed early promise as a musician, and when observing rehearsals of the Munich Court

Orchestra during his formative years, he caught the eye of many conductors. Ein Heldenleben was

written whilst Strauss was staying at a Bavarian mountain resort in July 1898, simultaneously as his

previous tone poem Don Quixote, both of which contain parallel notions. Ein Heldenleben was said

to be written in the mould of Beethoven’s Eroica; both works depicting ‘the ideal of great and manly

heroism’.53

53Richard Freed, “Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40.” About the Work, last modified March 6, 2008.

http://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/?fuseaction=composition&composition_id=3737

Figure 3. Excerpt 1 – Ein Heldenleben, R. Strauss

28

Movement 1, Figure 9 to 4 Bars after Figure 11

Score Tempo: Lebhaft bewegt (Lively with movement)

Suggested tempo: ♩ = 100

Principal Challenge: Precise shifting

Subsequent Challenges:

1) Intonation

2) Rhythm

3) Bow distribution

Known as ‘Figure 9’ to the universal contrabass community, this excerpt presents a host of

challenges that often overwhelm aspiring musicians. Due to the prior expectation of this challenge,

contrabassists often dive into working on this excerpt, rather than analysing the approaches to take

in making this excerpt enjoyable to play.

Therefore, a good strategy to preparing this excerpt is to disregard any preconceptions about its

difficulty. It is more helpful to attack the practise routine with a strong technical foundation and to

be systematic in its analysis.54 Essentially, this excerpt is composed of arpeggios starting on

54 H, B. Contrabassist of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Interview by the author, October 2015.

Orchestra Conductor Year Tempo

London Symphony Orchestra Sir John Barbirolli 1969 ♩ = 90

Bavarian Radio Orchestra Mariss Jansons 2011 ♩ = 109

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Bernard Haitink 2010 ♩ = 108

Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Herbert von Karajan 1995 ♩ = 110

Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra Cornelius Meister 2014 ♩ = 120

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Willem Mengelberg 1941 ♩ = 130

Figure 4. Recording analysis of Ein Heldenleben

29

inversions. One should identify the keys and tonalities of this passage and start to build a technical

foundation.

Rather [than] go straight to Figure 9 and have the first experience of doing an A flat

arpeggio starting on the third degree in context, take it out of context and practise all

your arpeggios in broken thirds.55

Therefore, doing slow arpeggionic exercises in the keys of C minor, D minor and A flat Major,

will help to establish a solid foundation for working on the excerpt itself.

Precise shifting: This excerpt is particularly difficult because it requires precise and seamless

shifting that encompasses a three octave range across all four strings all the while governed by a

tempo that must maintain momentum. Shifts on the contrabass are unlike any other string

instrument; having intervals so widely spread out on the fingerboard presents a challenge to the

majority of musicians. In this case, Ein Heldenleben contains a healthy number of shifts, perhaps

more aptly regarded as leaps that travel up and between strings. To help with these shifts, it is a

good idea to choose a fingering that is most comfortable and has more than one note in each hand

position thus minimising the amount of shifts. It is also worth mentioning that the first fingering one

tries isn’t necessarily the one that works the best. One should try a number of fingerings and then

make an educated decision about what feels the best. Even if the one fingering that you try is

comfortable, it doesn’t necessarily mean that is the most effective one.56 Keeping in mind that this

excerpt is a melodic line, the fingering chosen must not disrupt overall motion and direction.

Intonation: Intonation is an obvious criteria in this excerpt, as in all excerpts, and it is

important that secure intonation is delivered. Intonation on the contrabass is widely known to be a

challenging aspect, yet is the one aspect that is pivotal in ensemble playing. Because of the

expansive register changes the integrity of each note needs to be the same in whichever octave it

appears. The physical shifts that occur in the excerpt are also obstacles that need to be controlled in

achieving consistent intonation. For this, slow and precise practise of arpeggios needs to be done as

preparation prior to tackling this excerpt. Moreover, one must make sure that the melody serves the

harmony. The harmonic change in this passage is quite quick, changing every three or so bars. One

must ensure that the change from directly on Figure 9, the G to the A natural three bars later and


56 Ibid.

30

then to the C three bars further on, is concise and demonstrates a growing phrase until it erupts to

the final B flat in the third bar of Figure 10. One must be accurate in discerning the tones and

semitones in the arpeggionic figures so that the harmonic progression is understandable, logical,

conveys momentum and has a sense of tension and resolution.

Rhythm: It is essential in this excerpt that the rhythm is played precisely. Players should

come off the minim ties (G, A natural, C, C respectively) in time, not late or early so the arpeggios

can flow on from the long note in tempo.57 The best way to counteract this is to think in duplets

whilst sustaining the minim and continue this pulse through the triplet arpeggio. Having a cross

rhythm like this is far more effective than thinking in triplets, as there will be the tendency to either

slow down or speed up due to the difficulty of maintaining the exact rhythm. In this case, one must

be aware of the orchestral context. The viola section, two oboes and two clarinets are playing

duplets marked fortissimo. Being aware of this two against three exchange will vastly improve the

accuracy of coming off the ties.

Bow distribution: The bow distribution in this excerpt needs to be considered and well

calculated. Due to the nature of the instrument, the notes in the lower register at the beginning of

each arpeggio should receive minimal bow. Little bow usage combined with healthy bow pressure

will make these low notes project well, leaving the majority of the lower half of the bow for the rest

of the arpeggio. With more bow left for the last three notes of the arpeggio, a sense of heroic

freedom is achievable, offsetting the tendency to run out of bow. It is also vital the bow changes are

placed in the correct spot so they do not disrupt the melodic line. “Your individual choice of bow

changes needs to be negotiated with no audible bumps.”58

Professional Tip: To make sure you don’t run out of bow on these arpeggios and that each

note receives a good amount of attention, for practise, change where the notes fall in regards to

beats in the bar. For example, hold the first minim for two crotchet beats, then start the arpeggiated

sequence directly on the third crotchet beat.59 Following this, elongate the last triplet quaver (G, A, C

and C respectively) before landing on the subsequent minim in the following bar. Doing this will also

make the transition between the last triplet quaver to the following minim clear and concise, which

57 N, S. Contrabassist of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Interview by the author, September

2015.

58 W, J. Associate Principal Contrabassist of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Interview by the

author, October 2015.

59 S, A. Principal Contrabassist of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Interview by the author,

October 2015.

31

will assist rhythmic stability. Once this exercise has been applied, return to the original rhythm and

the passage should feel more stable and the notes receiving equal attention.

In the audition: Performing this excerpt in an audition is by no means an easy feat. Firstly, it

is important to play this passage at a steady tempo; it is better to play under tempo than to scramble

the triplets and semiquavers.60 Most recordings found online have tempi ranging from ♩ = 110-120

and others range from ♩ =100-104; the latter are the tempi to aim for. It is recommended that one

plays at ♩ = 96 and allow the adrenaline of the audition to pick up the tempo.61 Understanding the

orchestral context is also important; keeping in mind the duplet pulse and the forces that play in

unison with the contrabass section i.e. four French horns, three bassoons, a contrabassoon and bass

clarinet. One should play this excerpt with a full sound, not forced. Marked fortissimo and then

fortississimo, it is useful to have a flat bow contact with the string to maximise contact and sound.

Using the relaxed weight of the right arm to draw the sound out of the instrument is more

preferable than tensing and forcing the sound. “It’s really important to make the string crossings

smooth, and to make sure that your weight goes across with your string crossings.”62 With this open

sound, enjoy the legato feel of these expansive melodies and keep the bow pressure even all

throughout the arpeggio figures. Differentiate between the three semibreves; the first is a

continuation of the triplet figure, the second has an accent on it and the third has a crescendo

through it. Ensure these are different and serve a different role in the passage. Pay acute attention

to each marked articulation; the staccati semiquavers toward the end need to be crisp and clear

with a simple ‘push pull’63 bow movement. The following accents on the minims should be sharply


61Ibid.

62 C, D. Contrabassist of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Interview by the author, September 2015.

63 ‘Push Pull’: a type of bowing loosely defined by simple back and forth movements with a straight

bow.

Figure 5. Rhythm exercise for Ein Heldenleben

32

attacked and demonstrative leading into the quick oscillating trill. It is important to keep the long

notes alive by adding vibrato, this will also keep a sense of movement. “Avoid vibrato until the

intonation is correct and the left hand is stable and secure.”64


2015.

33

Excerpt Two

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Symphony No. 40 in G Minor K550; Movement I, Bar 114-135

Finished in July of 1788, Mozart’s ‘Great G Minor Symphony’ marks a period of his life when he was

suffering both financially and physically, slowing starving to death, living in penury with his talents

and abilities largely unappreciated by society. Apart from earning a small salary for his service to

Emperor Joseph II, it was later understood through a series of tragic letters that Mozart had to beg

for funds from his good friend Michael Puchberg. Mozart’s last symphonies, 39, 40 and 41, along

with some smaller scale works, were composed in a span of ten weeks. In this brief ten week period,

Mozart delivered magnificent works acknowledged as masterpieces by contemporary society. These

works were not trivial and circumstantial but brilliantly inventive. They have been recognised as

structural models studied by many succeeding composers. Expressing his own misery at the time,

the opening movements of Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 are turbulent. The work’s finale culminates in

a joyful celebration, embodying a large portion of his music which has brought so much joy and

pleasure to those who suffered less than he did.65

65 Geoff Keunning, “Mozart: Symphony No.40.” Wolfgand Amadeus Mozart 1756-1791, last modified 1996.

http://www.lasr.cs.ucla.edu/geoff/prognotes/mozart/symphony40.html

Figure 6. Excerpt 2 – Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, W.A. Mozart

34

Movement 1, Bar 114 to 135

Score Tempo: Allegro molto - Alla Breve

Suggested tempo: Minim = 96


New Philharmonia Orchestra Otto Klemperer 1970 Minim = 83

Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Carlo Maria Giulini 1992 Minim = 90

Bavarian Radio Orchestra Rafael Kubelik N.d. Minim = 94

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Leonard Bernstein N.d. Minim = 100

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Fritz Reiner 1955 Minim = 115

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Nikolaus Harnocourt 1992 Minim = 125

*N.d. – No date

Principal Challenge: Bow stroke


1) String crossings

2) Phrasing

3) Precise shifting

Regarded as one of the more intricate and technically difficult passages of the classical

contrabass repertoire, it is important that the aspiring professional contrabassist is aware of their

physical movements, particularly in their bow arm. Being aware of the bow arm – partnered with a

disciplined left hand - allows a clear execution of this excerpt.

Prior to practising this excerpt, it is important to listen to the whole symphony to get

accustomed to the notions and themes presented and to understand how phrases are nuanced,

notes are ended and dynamics treated. With this knowledge, one can then approach the excerpt

understanding the music that precedes and succeeds it. Establishing the tonality aurally is also a

good idea, confirming the dark key of G minor will help attain a sense of emotion. A harmonic

Figure 7. Recording analysis of Symphony No. 40 in G Minor

35

analysis of each bar or set of four quavers will benefit the musician as one will gain a sense of where

tension and resolution should be stressed or released.

Bow stroke: There is much debate as to what level of spiccato is acceptable in playing this

passage. This excerpt needs to be played off the string, the length of the notes should not be too

short and spiky, but there should be some space between the notes.66 Therefore, one could play this

excerpt with a leggiero stroke that brushes the string in a vertical motion.67 This vertical motion

should definitely be utilised on the D, A and E strings. On the G string, especially in the higher

register, the stroke needs to become much more horizontal. It will usually work best towards the

lower half of the bow. To become proficient in this stroke, one should analyse the movements that

need to occur, being acutely aware of where the bow hits the string and where it ends up. It is also a

wise idea to understand the mechanics of one’s arms in this process; where the exerting forces lie or

where they need to be tamed. One should practise this stroke on an open string, first slowly and

then speed up. Once the desired stroke is achieved, alternate bowing between two adjacent strings,

then three, then four. Once this bow stroke is consistent and uniform across each string, half of what

is required to play this excerpt is secure.

String crossings: Leading on from, and in direct correlation to, the bow stroke, is mastering the

string crossings. Once the bow stroke is grounded, adding string crossings can be tricky as they

happen quite rapidly and often sporadically in the excerpt. One needs to be aware of the bow arm

angle and body position in order to get around to the higher strings efficiently.68 The bow needs to

be parallel to the bridge across all strings as this will make them oscillate in a 90 degree angle both

vertically and horizontally, producing the most centred and focused sound. Being aware of these

specific technical movements will make the rest of the work that is to be done by the left hand

simpler. These movements must be mastered at a slow tempo, without using the left hand before

moving on. One should first be able to complete clear crossings between two adjacent strings, then

three and four. A useful exercise is to play the excerpt without the left hand and on the correct

strings in which the notes fall to understand which arm and body movements need to be done and

in relation to where they need to be done, and whether the motion is going to or coming from.


2015.


October 2015. 68 C, D. Contrabassist of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Interview by the author, September 2015.

36

Phrasing: A very important aspect of this excerpt is shaping each phrase. A standard approach

would be to practise this passage in full awareness of the classical style. The overall motion needs to

contain momentum and must always lead to a certain note. Identifying where the climaxes of each

phrase occur will demonstrate an understanding of how it would have been played in a period

orchestra. This will demonstrate historically informed knowledge and research. It is important that

the quaver runs don’t lose their shape and musicality by being overly preoccupied with clinical

correctness. Rather, one should advocate an organic sense of line. This excerpt needs to be played

with a lot of excitement and interest.69 This can be achieved in the running quaver passages if the

role of each quaver is well thought out. There should be a feel of two in a bar, the first quaver in the

first group of four quavers needs to mark the downbeat of each bar, and the last quaver of the

second group of four quavers in the bar needs to lead to the first quaver in the next group of

quavers. Each phrase must portray a sense of drop and ascension; outlining the gradations and

nuances beginning from the first two quavers in Bars 128-132 inclusive. At all times there should be

“rhythmic accuracy between the legato theme and the continuous, steady staccato quavers.”70

Precise shifting: This excerpt contains a lot of small shifts that need to be precise so that the

notes can be understood. One needs to be aware of the tones and semitones that occur and the

function of each accidental. This excerpt must also be harmonically accurate. Understanding the key

changes in each bar or in every set of four quavers combined with the qualities of the accidentals

will help convey a sense of stability and motion. Consequently, the shifts and string crossings need to

be agile and accurate to facilitate the speed of the excerpt. To enable these shifts, a good fingering is

essential; one needs to choose a logical fingering that best works for them. One should stick with

comfort; there will be an option whether to have either a fingering that contains more shifts or more

string crossings.71 In either case, no extraneous noise should be heard between shifts and large

intervals; movements should be calculated but also free and not tense.

In the audition: Mozart Symphony No. 40 is a daunting excerpt to play in an audition; however, a

positive mindset will support the musician. Focusing on musicality rather than on technicality will

assist in achieving a suitable sound. Marked forte, the opening needs to be convincing within the

realms of being realistic. This is the initial time the contrabass plays the tune, and in context they


70 W, J. Associate Principal Contrabassist of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Interview by the

author, October 2015.


37

play in unison with violas, cellos and bassoons. The violins have the same tune pitched a tone lower

and they start three bars prior, so at the commencement of the contrabass/cello/viola/bassoon

entry there are overlayed running quavers. One can imagine the excitement and commotion this

causes, as well as portraying a sense of argumentative melodic turbulence. Even though it is marked

forte, it needs to be a forte in the lighter sense of the style with a full sound.72

Beginning the excerpt can be difficult, but if one thinks in a terraced gradation, momentum and

phrasing will occur naturally. One needs to start this excerpt off smoothly and softly in relation to

subsequent passages. The first C quaver needs to be assertive and full so that the excerpt begins

with vitality. There should be a sense of growth amongst the three B natural crotchets in the

opening of this excerpt. The phrase leads to the last of the three B natural crotchets and then

releases to the top G. In the next descending phrase, the same growth pattern should be employed

to each crotchet with then a firm, direct landing on the first quaver of the next bar which needs to

be secure in order to push off into the quaver runs. The quaver runs need to have a sense of motion

and the phrasing must always move forward. The quavers should not be rushed, it is important to

relax into them without getting tense or panicky. A sense of arrival should be felt at the B flat

crotchet in beat one of Bar 122 followed by a release to the bottom G. Bars 123-127 should be

treated in a parallel way as the opening of the excerpt. The first quavers in each bar from Bar 128-

132 are the arrival points that need to be emphasised; these are strong, and then the ascending

quavers lead to the start of each following bar, growing in excitement and interest until the

descending quavers release the momentum of the excerpt leaving the constant As to taper out the

end of the excerpt. The quavers in Bars 131-132 should be broadened out with a more horizontal

stroke and as the climax of the excerpt, needs to convey a sense of arrival and conquering.

72 B, K. Principal Contrabassist of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Interview by the author,

September 2015.

38

Excerpt Three

Ludwig Van Beethoven, Symphony No. 9 in D Minor Op. 125; Movement 4, Bar 1-90

Heralded as one the greatest pieces of music in the canon of Western Art music,

Beethoven’s final symphony is scored for an orchestra plus choir, the first symphony to do so on a

large scale. Completed in 1824, this work is regarded as one of Beethoven’s finest works; a musical

collaboration of musicians, vocalists and poetry dedicated to the concept of the universal

brotherhood of man.73 This composition embodies the revolutionary creation of a man with an

optimistic vision of human potential. Perhaps one of the most frequently performed symphonies in

the world, Beethoven Symphony No. 9 calls for a thoughtful approach and thorough harmonic

understanding.

Movement 4, Bar 1 to 90

Score Tempo: Presto – Allegro ma non troppo – Tempo Primo – Vivace – Tempo Primo – Tempo

Primo Allegro – Tempo Primo Allegro

73 Nicholas Cook, Beethoven: Symphony, Issue 9 (U.K.: Cambridge University Press, 1993): blurb.

Figure 8. Excerpt 3 – Symphony No. 9, Op. 125; Recitative, L.V. Beethoven

39

N.B. - Tempo: Due to the heavy tempo fluctuations in this excerpt, a recording analysis

would not be effective. One should source recordings of this work and follow along with their part,

identifying the tempo relationships and become aware of where rubato is used.

Prior to practising this excerpt, it is essential that one becomes familiar with a number of

recordings of Beethoven 9. Historically, the recitative has transformed over time, being interpreted

in a variety of ways by different conductors. Becoming familiar with such traditions will help one

form their own informed interpretation. “It’s really important that you listen to lots of different

interpretations, because there will definitely be some interpretive freedom allowed in an

audition.”74

Principal Challenge: Musicality and sound production


1) Articulation

The recitative that opens the fourth movement of Beethoven Symphony No. 9 is a dramatic and

characterful piece of writing. It opens with a stormy sense of suspense in the woodwind and brass

section until it erupts with an entrance played by the cello and contrabass sections. In many editions

of this piece, the phrase ‘in stile recitativo, ma in tempo’ is written, which instructs the musicians

that this is played ‘in the recitative style, but in tempo’. “For this reason it is of highest importance

that the tempo remain flexible in this excerpt.”75 Therefore, it is important that one understands the

vocal qualities of this excerpt and to use rubato tastefully.

Musicality and sound production: Orchestras frequently request this excerpt in order to hear

how musical the applicants can be within the realms of logical phrasing and beauty of sound. Sound

production in this excerpt is principally critiqued; the panel will be looking for a musician who can

create sound that is full, relaxed, resonant and sensitive.76 The most important aspect of one’s sound

is its richness and vocal quality. Since this excerpt foreshadows the recitative sung by the bass

baritone later in the work, there must be a clear, consistent and focused sound. The attention to

where notes speak on one’s bass should be acutely adhered to so the most beautiful sound is






2015.

40

created every time. One thing that will ensure a solid sound, is a solid left hand. One must make sure

that each note is carefully treated by the left hand, with substantial contact and anchorage from the

thumb. Each long note needs to have a sense of growth within it and each short note needs to

receive special care as sometimes they end up in odd parts of the bow.77 Vibrato is essential in

keeping long durational notes alive; a varied vibrato from warm to intense should be utilised on the

majority of notes so that the excerpt is pleasing to listen to. Vibrato will add colour, resonance and

strength to one’s sound production. It is important that each section of the excerpt is considerately

thought out; the first entry needs to be declamatory and confident whereas Bar 65 is subdued and

intimate. One should show an understanding of each section within the excerpt by demonstrating a

contrast in sound, being receptive of dynamics, articulation and phrasing.

Articulation: The ground work for this excerpt is to establish a pure and focused sound followed

by consistent intonation and accurate rhythms. To successfully perform this excerpt, one must

adhere to all the articulation markings. There are many contrasting sections within this excerpt, and

the marked articulations help to highlight this. Staccato notes must be short and detached, with

spaces in between them; the silences between the staccati are also important. One must play

separate notes with a sense of release as well, holding the left hand firm to allow a strong sound

production. A good idea is to think about the starts of every note. As this excerpt is vocal in quality,

the melodic notes should not be played with ‘K’78 attacks, unless they are marked with staccati.79

The opening two notes should feel as if they begin with a sympathetic ‘W’80 sound. An awareness of

the articulation and how it affects the sound is an important factor in performing this excerpt

proficiently.

In the audition: It is important to stay calm at the outset of this excerpt; this is the opportunity

to showcase what a beautiful sound one is capable of making. The first A crotchet needs to sound

like an up-beat.81 It should have the sense of leading to the E. To achieve this, one needs to breathe


October 2015.

78 ‘K’ attacks are achieved by playing a note with a sharp front, created with bow pressure and

immediate release. ‘K’ attacks are similarly treated like accents.


2015.

80 Notes that imitate a ‘W’ phonetic sound are created with a gentle surge of bow speed and pressure,

sinking into the string sympathetically. There is usually no audible front to the note.


2015.

41

out as they play the first A. Concentrate on a full and open sound that heralds the theme of

brotherhood and declares confidence. The following E that lasts four crotchet beats cannot be

choked at all; it needs to be sustained with life and vibrato. It needs to grow into the following

quaver passage, somewhat bleeding into the D. The next quavers (G, A, B flat) marked with staccati

must each be louder than they succeed, with a sense of forward motion leading to the four slurred

quavers passage. These four quavers usually start on a down bow traveling to close to the tip. One

needs to be attentive to the bow position playing the next two quavers short at the tip. One needs

to transfer their weight into the tip of the bow, keeping it on the string to achieve two clear and

separate quavers. The following slurred quavers (E to G) need a full smooth connection. It is

recommended that one plays the E on the A string and then shift back to the G. This eliminates a

string crossing and helps sustain a nice legato tone. The two following B flats, an octave apart, need

to have the same integrity despite their range. Placing them both in half position with a reliable

handshape will allow these notes to ring together.82 The second B flat should be sustained with

vibrato and then decrescendo before the phrase ultimately finishes with a release in sound, phrasing

away logically.

It is important that the next entry at Bar 24 (F sharp to A) acts as an interruption to the

descending quavers in the wind section. These two notes should mimic that of a timpani in sound

and attack.83 The following quavers should be somewhat legato and follow the contour of the line. It

is a good idea to slur the last two quavers of that phrase, yet finishing in a stately manner. The next

phrase needs to have momentum through it; it is important not to slow down too early, and only do

so precisely where it is marked. In the first entry, there must be a contrast in dynamic from forte to

fortissimo. The E flat must be sustained for its correct length which then propels into the running

quavers maintaining forward momentum to the dotted crotchet D, which then continues the phrase

into the poco Adagio section. The ritardando prior to the poco Adagio shouldn’t be too excessive, it

should just naturally lose speed and flow into a smooth and quiet cadence. The forte chords at Bar

56 should be declamatory, continuing in the vivace style of the second movement, which is alluded

to in the eight bars prior. It is important that the passage of quavers from Bars 57 – 62 have a sense

of forward direction up until the end of the phrase. Despite having the tendency to slow down, there

is no ritardando marked and one must follow the contour of the pitches to phrase well.84 The Tempo


2015.

83 Ibid.

84 Ibid.

42

Primo Allegro at Bar 65 must portray an intimate and sensitive colour. It is a good idea to use half

bow hair, rotate the bow towards yourself and play slightly over the fingerboard. To achieve a nice

even and singing sound, the bow flow must stay even, and even within the realms of piano, a

focused sound must be attained. The crescendo into the following quaver passage should act as a

catalyst for more energy, excitement and movement. The arrival at the fortissimo F sharp should feel

triumphant.

It is important to note that the first note of the last entry is in a different tempo to its succeeding

passage. The A crotchet should be played with a similar feeling to the very opening of this excerpt.85

This crotchet is played on the second minim beat of Bar 80. Prior to entering, one should sing the

four bars before to this, the ‘Ode to Joy’ theme, in their head. At the correct moment, the entry

should be played with conviction and confidence. The next E must proceed in the new, faster tempo.

It is important to note that the trumpets play triplets over the dotted rhythm in Bar 84, which means

a bit of time can be taken to make sure this sounds triumphant. The descending running quavers

should all maintain forward momentum leading towards the sforzando G that is held for three and a

half crotchet beats. This G needs to receive a lot of warm vibrato to keep the note alive. The

sforzando should not be a sharp accent at the start of the note, but more of a gentle surge in bow

pressure into the string. The last two crotchets should not be regarded as being insignificant. On the

contrary, they should receive special attention so that the excerpt finishes with jubilance. A slower

bow is good to use here as this will produce a controlled and clear ending, as opposed to a fast bow

which will create too much extraneous noise.

Professional Tip: Do exactly what is written on the page. Adhere to all the markings:

articulations, dynamics and tempi. The tempo relationships must be consistent to make sense.86 Be

responsive to every note length and acutely aware of where the phrase is coming or going. Pay extra

attention to your sound and create the most luscious, vocal quality one can. Singing this excerpt in

one’s head prior to performing it will give one a good sense of melodic line and a clear indication of

phrasing. All this information just needs to be transferred to the contrabass in performing the

excerpt for the panel.


2015.


September 2015.

43

Excerpt Four

Ludwig Van Beethoven, Symphony No. 5 in C Minor Op. 67; Movement III: Scherzo Bar 1-95

Universally recognised as a result of the dramatic minor third motif at the beginning,

Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony has become one of the world’s best known compositions and most

frequently played symphonies. The first four notes of the symphony are perhaps the most heard and

interpreted notes of any work. Maybe they represent the hammer blows of fate? Maybe they are a

symbol of victory in the time of war? Either way, this multi-layered motif is merely the tip of a

harmonically and emotionally dense masterpiece. The third movement is one of Beethoven’s direct

quotations from Mozart’s Symphony No. 40. Beethoven subtly transforms the opening of the finale

to generate his own theme.87

Movement III, Bar 1 to 95

Score Tempo: Allegro

Suggested tempo: Dotted minim = 86

87 Robert Haven Schauffler, Beethoven: The Man Who Freed Music (New York: Tudor Publishing

Company, 1944), 211.

Figure 9. Excerpt 4 – Symphony No. 5, Op. 67; Scherzo, L.V. Beethoven

44

Prior to practising this excerpt, it is important that one becomes familiar with the minor

scales and arpeggios. Practising C minor, B flat minor and F minor scales in thirds and double stops

will help establish a lot of the ground work that forms the technical crux of this passage.88 Doing this

slowly and understanding note relationships within the hand shape is essential for securing accurate

intonation, which becomes easier when the excerpt is played at tempo.

Principal Challenge: Seamless Shifting


1) Maintaining a soft dynamic

2) Intonation

Seamless Shifting: Shifting in this excerpt requires a quick and accurate left hand. The opening

speed of this movement requires the left hand to maintain a good structure and it is preferable to

maximise the number of notes in one position.89 The left hand must always maintain good contact

with the strings to achieve an even sound with the bow. Due to the speed of this movement, feeling

the pulse in 1, shifting must happen quickly. The left hand moves immediately after each note is


89 Susan Elizabeth Moyer, "A Detailed Study of Selected Orchestral Excerpts for Cello" (DMA diss.,

University of Miami, 2009): 47.


Chicago Symphony Orchestra Fritz Reiner N.d. Dotted Minim = 85

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Willem Mengelberg N.d. Dotted Minim = 85

New York Philharmonic Orchestra Leornard Bernstein N.d. Dotted Minim = 86

Bavarian Radio Orchestra Mariss Jansons 2012 Dotted Minim = 90

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Christian Thielemann 2010 Dotted Minim = 96

Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Herbert von Karajan N.d. Dotted Minim = 97

Figure 10. Recording analysis of Symphony No. 5, Op. 67; Scherzo

45

played. It is important to remember where the phrase is going. Securing the left hand will establish a

secure foundation for this excerpt.

Maintaining a soft dynamic: The pianissimo marking of this excerpt (Bars 1 – 18 and 52 – 66) can

be achieved by securing the combination of having a solid left hand and smooth bow control. The

bow should be turned towards oneself therefore only using half the hair. It is also a good idea to play

slightly over the fingerboard whilst maintaining good contact with the string. This will produce a

desired airy sound that still has centre and focus. The arpeggiated opening, frequent string crossings

and expansive slurs require a fast speed with little pressure to achieve this correct sense of phrasing,

dynamic and sound. It is important to play each note its exact value without rushing or clipping

notes short. One must evenly distribute the bow and subdivide constantly.90

Intonation: The opening arpeggiated figure and perfect fifth intervals require precise intonation

so that an harmonic sequence is understood.91 Each accidental should serve a melodic purpose, for

example in Bar 3 the F sharp must lead to the G, likewise with the C sharp to the D in Bar 12. The C

and B naturals that occur in Bars 14 – 16 must bring the tonality back to G major. Knowing the

precise function of each accidental will help make this excerpt logical and easy to understand. A

good way to practise intonation in these passages is to play the notes as double stops where

possible, understanding how these notes fit into each other and one’s hand shape. It is also

important to practise C minor, B flat minor and F major arpeggios to establish a sense of tonality.

This will secure the intonation.

In the audition: Before performing this excerpt, one must determine the starting tempo. It is a

good idea to sing the horn part at Bar 19 after the fermata92 which may be recognised from the

many recordings that have been listened to in preparation for the audition. This is a reliable and

stable tempo and is recommended by many professionals. Once this tempo is established, one

should stay relaxed and breathe. The opening phrases must flow smoothly, with even string

crossings following the melodic line up to the E flat and back down to the G. There needs to be a

logical ritardando at the last cadence point before the pause which gives the effect of losing

momentum. This pause needs to be measured out logically. Often musicians don’t keep track of the


October 2015.

91 Susan Elizabeth Moyer, "A Detailed Study of Selected Orchestral Excerpts for Cello" (DMA diss.,

University of Miami, 2009): 48.


46

period for which it has been held and it will be overdone. It helps to maintain a pulse throughout

the pause in the cadence. I suggest counting 3-4 bars then entering with the next phrase in tempo;

this keeps the tempo flowing organically and the mind engaged.93 The upcoming sforzando piano

must be abrupt and sudden, a surge of bow speed is ideal. It is important that the sforzando piano

doesn’t get in the way of the rhythm and flow. The following ritardando should be executed with

finesse and care. The next section marked forte should have forward momentum and strength.

These crotchets and minims should imitate bell tones with a fullness of sound. It is important to be

acutely aware of all the different markings on the page and to exaggerate them, particularly the

dynamic and tempo fluctuations. There must be a logical sense of phrase and line within these

realms to produce a convincing rendition.


2015.

47

Excerpt Five

Ludwig Van Beethoven, Symphony No. 5 in C Minor Op. 67; Movement III: Trio Bar 140-177

Movement III, Bar 140 to 177

Score Tempo: Allegro

Suggested tempo: Dotted minim = 76


Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Christian Thielemann 2010 Dotted Minim = 72

New York Philharmonic Orchestra Leornard Bernstein N.d. Dotted Minim = 77

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Fritz Reiner N.d. Dotted Minim = 77

Bavarian Radio Orchestra Mariss Jansons 2012 Dotted Minim = 81

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Willem Mengelberg N.d. Dotted Minim = 81

Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Herbert von Karajan N.d. Dotted Minim = 87

Figure 11. Excerpt 5 – Symphony No. 5, Op. 67; Trio, L.V. Beethoven

Figure 12. Recording analysis of Symphony No. 5, Op. 67; Trio

48

Consideration, while practising, must be given to how the angle of the bow will impact

clarity. There are many string crossings and shifts carried out at rapid speeds in this excerpt. Slow

methodical practise should be undertaken to better understand how precise body movements can

assist in achieving maximum accuracy and strength in sound.

Principal Challenge: Spiccato Bowing


1) String crossings

Spiccato Bowing: This excerpt is chosen for the difficulty in producing a consistent spiccato bow

stroke.94 The constant quavers present a challenge as they ought to be played swiftly which requires

good left hand dexterity to achieve clarity. Therefore, a controlled and consistent spiccato bow

stroke is paramount. One should determine which bodily movements are needed to achieve an even

stroke and this can be achieved by slowing the movement right down and being aware of what

mechanics need to happen. A good idea is to first master this stroke on one note at a slow tempo

and then gradually increase the speed, maintaining a full and focused sound. When this is done at

various speeds with a metronome, one can compartmentalise each bar using the same discipline.

The spiccato stroke will work best towards the heel of the bow; this is where most control and clarity

will be achieved.

String crossings: Leading on from and in direct correspondence with the bow stroke is

mastering the string crossings. This excerpt has a lot of movement both for the left and right hand;

they need to be well coordinated to maximise clarity. The string crossings often happen rapidly, so

quick movements are essential. One must be aware of their bow arm angle and body position so

that the bow is always moving in a vertical motion.95 Particularly in the quaver passages, one must

ensure that each quaver receives flat bow hair for maximum contact and sound. The bow must

remain parallel to the bridge and perpendicular to the strings at all times. Mastered at a slow tempo,

accurate string crossings will add precision to sound production.


September 2015. 95 H, B. Contrabassist of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Interview by the author, October 2015.

49

In the audition: The first crotchet must be full and receive a good amount of bow length; it

propels into the running quavers. The quaver runs should have a sense of motion and direction and

crescendo to the minim G. It is important that these quavers have a consistency in articulation and

that the G is warmed up with vibrato and crescendos throughout. Succeeding this, the passage of

crotchets need to logically grow and decay according to the range of the pitches. These notes should

have a bit of length to them and felt in a pulse of one in a bar, rather than three as this can get too

heavy. Emphasising the first beat of each bar will maintain a sense of direction and forward motion,

which is needed in this excerpt. One must be aware of the rests after Bar 160 counting the full

duration of these rests and not entering too early. “The third beat entrances (such as Bars 161, 163

and 165) must be made with confidence, as they represent the rhythmic surprise of the scherzo.”96

The following quavers must also have a sense of growth up to the minim G and then similarly to the

minim C. These quaver passages must always phrase towards the minim at the end of the run,

conveying a logical sequence of dynamic and shape.97


Arizona State University, 2011): 47-8.

97 “10 Most Interesting Facts About Giuseppe Verdi”, last modified October 10, 2014.

http://www.cmuse.org/most-interesting-facts-about-giuseppe-verdi/3/

50

Excerpt Six

Giuseppe Verdi, Otello; Act IV, Figure U to 7 Bars after Figure X

Giuseppe Verdi was one of the most prolific opera composers of the romantic era. Verdi had

great success with a number of his operas, namely Aida, Rigoletto and Il Trovatore, which all contain

glorious melodies which have become famous. This work was completed in late 1885 and premiered

in Milan in early 1887, and proved to be a resounding success. The relationship between the music

and narrative on stage is a vital component on the preparation of this excerpt. A lot of Verdi’s

writing contains emotional, expressive and vocal qualities which need to be strongly conveyed.

Act IV, Figure U to 7 Bars after Figure X

Score Tempo: Poco Più Mosso

Figure 13. Excerpt 6 – Otello, G. Verdi

51

N.B – Tempo: Due to the nature of this solo being heavily influenced by the discretion of the

conductor and musicians, revolving around emotive and passionate qualities, a recording analysis

was deemed trivial. To get accustomed to this soli, one should listen to a variety of recordings to

discern the fluctuating tempi, complete with accelerandi, rubato and associated stylistic preferences.

The contrabass soli located in Act IV is an opportunity for one to showcase their expressive

and melodic playing. In performing this excerpt one needs to be aware of the narrative context,

communicating the relationship between what is happening on stage and the music. This excerpt

must show a logical progression of suspense, tension and eruption which is expressed in dramatic

form on the stage.

Principal Challenge: Intonation


1) Melodic structure

2) Articulation

3) Rhythm

Intonation: Intonation in this excerpt must be precise, with intervals between the notes

correctly spaced out. Especially in the opening few phrases, the major triad intervals need to be

large enough so the harmonic frequencies are in tune. The spaces between the tones and semitones

should be distinctively different, and each accidental needs to be treated correctly in relation to how

it is sequenced between notes. Usually, the flat accidentals need to be flatter and the sharps need to

be sharper. The leading tone qualities must rise to make the melody in tune. A good way to improve

intonation whilst practising this excerpt is to play the opening phrases in double stops becoming

aware of how each note fits in with one another and what hand shape needs to be secure.98 One

must also be aware of the larger shifts that occur and discovering how these shifts are best

executed. One should practise these shifts disregarding the rhythm first to make sure their hand

lands well and precisely where it needs to.99 That is, the primary practise will be on intonation and

subsequent process will be on rhythmic quality.

Melodic structure: This excerpt is a great opportunity to showcase one’s beautiful melodic

playing ability by demonstrating a vocal sound, meaningful vibrato, beautiful phrasing and pure


October 2015.

99 Ibid.

52

tone. Each phrase needs to have a growth period, destination point and resolution. Analysing the

text and identifying the notes which should be stressed demonstrate an understanding of phrasing.

For example, in the first passage, the phrase begins quietly on a low E, grows through the major

third and builds tension to the C sharp and then releases to the B natural. This phrase needs to

foreshadow that something sinister is going to happen; it must portray suspense. Being acutely

aware that each phrase has a specific purpose in the narrative storyline, and exaggerating this, will

communicate an informed contextual rendition of this excerpt. To achieve this vocal quality, the

dynamics must also be adhered to. The dynamics range from pianississimo to fortissimo, allowing

the opportunity to demonstrate and explore a varying colour palette. The soft dynamics should be

intimate and sonorous, whereas the louder ones should be dramatic and bold; an array of characters

must have strong conviction and portrayal through these dynamics.

Articulation: The articulation markings in this excerpt assist in creating the narrative element.

The opening accent on the open E string is crucial in representing what happens on stage at this

time. It is the moment where Othello steps into his chamber where his wife, Desdemona, is sleeping.

This accent conveys the fact that something tragic is going to occur. The fact that this is placed on

the open E string, the lowest note on a contrabass at the time of composition, speaks volumes of

how important the context is and why each articulation marking is utilised. Prior to the premiere

performance of Otello, contrabasses only had three gut strings. The Otello performances were some

of the first where contrabasses had four strings, hence why this such an important point marked in

history in this opera. In Bars 8, 13 and 16 are a recurring sequence of three E flat crotchets marked

staccato. One must understand each of these notes; although they are marked identically, there

must be a distinction between them.100 Each must be louder than the one before thus conveying a

sense of growth and suspense. It is important to understand that staccato does not necessarily

mean short and detached. In this case, it may mean that there is a desired silence between notes

that needs to be audible.

The staccato semiquaver passage at Bar 23 should be carried out close to the heel of the bow

and off-the-string. These semiquavers need to be crisp and clear especially since they are in the

lower register of the contrabass. A small amount of bow is to be utilised to maximise clarity. The

accents that follow need to sound very different, and therefore require more bow and weight into

the string. It is important to note, that the cellos, violas, bassoons and clarinet join in on the

ascending scale with the whole orchestra playing the final dramatic two chords, signalling something


September 2015.

53

terrible has happened. These accents must portray a sense of rage, stemmed by jealousy which is

one of the major themes in Othello. Every articulation is deliberate and purposeful and discerning

each one is important. Each detail omitted is a detail that can be added by another candidate in the

audition.101 In the situation of an audition every detail one omits is one more that another

auditioning candidate can apply.

Rhythm: Due to the slow speed of this excerpt and the length of some of the notes, it is

important that one keeps subdividing throughout. In the opening tied semibreves, it is a good idea

to count in quavers so that the note ends precisely and the next note begins on time. Maintaining a

consistent pulse throughout the excerpt will demonstrate one’s ability to keep stable and reliable;

rhythmic stability is an essential criteria for any contrabass player.102 Semiquavers must be played

evenly and calculatedly. They should be subdivided so they do not become clipped or rushed,

particularly in Bars 9, 10 and 22.103 Bar 14 must also be subdivided into semiquavers; often the

dotted rhythms sound too much like a set of triplets.104 Rhythmic precision is essential, eliminating

ambiguous rhythm in the excerpt. The silences in this excerpt must also be accurately measured as

well. Throughout the rests, it is crucial that one maintains the pulse in quavers or crotchets. With the

music in front of them, the panel quickly recognises whether or not the candidate is counting. This

will be indicated by their successful entries on the appropriate beats. It is important to know the

orchestral context here, for example, following the minims in Bars 12 and 15 (and likewise in Bar 18),

the viola section plays eight semiquavers beginning on the third crotchet beat of the bar followed by

a crotchet on beat 1 of the following bar. On beat 2 of this bar, the bass drum strikes a deathly blow.

Then the contrabass enters on the second quaver of the third crotchet beat. Conceptualising this in

one’s head will help maintain a consistent pulse and can ensure precise entries.

In the audition: Playing this excerpt in an audition is an ideal opportunity to showcase a

cantabile luscious and rich sound. Therefore, it is important to breathe and be relaxed so one can

sink into the deepness of the bass register.105 Marked at the beginning is con sordino, which should

be adhered to. Playing with the mute can make some of these shifts easier, but the sound must still

101 H, B. Contrabassist of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Interview by the author, October 2015. 102 C, D. Contrabassist of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Interview by the author, September 2015. 103 S, A. Principal Contrabassist of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Interview by the author,

October 2015.




54

be focused and direct. The accent at the start must be audible, but not in a soloistic sense. A subtle,

yet firm accent to signify Othello’s step into his chamber should be heard. This first phrase needs to

be subdued and suspenseful. The whole phrase needs to maintain the same dynamic from beginning

to end, with the C sharp resolving to the B natural. The second phrase should be played in a similar

vein to the first, making sure that all the notes are rhythmically even and calculated. Similarly, this

next phrase starts like the previous two but crescendos into the three repeated E flat quavers. These

quavers grow into the new melodic material climaxing at the G flat and then releasing in sound,

literally dying away to a pianississimo E flat minim at the morendo marking. Even though the

dynamic drastically drops, the pulse must be consistent throughout. Next are the first of the three

importantly terraced phrases; the first phrase must stay somewhat quiet but still contain a sense of

growth and decay. The rhythm needs to be precise and calculated. The next phrase at Bar 16 should

have slightly more dynamic growth and decay than the previous one, with the tension resolving from

the D flat to the C flat. The next phrase at Bar 20 contains the ultimate shift from E flat to C flat. One

must not be influenced by anecdote and rumour that identify this as a difficult interval to pitch. The

C flat needs to sustain its intensity, with a continuous vibrato all throughout keeping it alive.106 The

melodic line continues and decrescendos until the suspenseful semiquaver section, starting rather

subdued, begins to gain momentum and volume culminating with three dramatic and powerful

chords signifying tragedy. These last accented chords should be played with heavy weight into the

string, a moderate bow speed and maximum bow hair contact. The ending of this excerpt should be

exciting and interesting, erupting with a clear, focused and penetrating sound.


55

Excerpt Seven

Hector Berlioz, Symphonie Fantastique H 48; Movement V, Bar 201 – 305

Perhaps Berlioz’s finest work, this programmatic symphony explores a distorted dream of

love and infatuation. Composed in five movements and vividly orchestrated, this work was

completed in 1830 and premiered in December that year. Stemming from diabolical passions –

Berlioz had fallen in love (and later married) an English Shakespearean actress named Harriet

Smithson – this work was heralded as ‘revolutionary’ yet ‘radical’ by those who heard it at the time.

The fifth movement in which this excerpt appears is particularly evocative; it includes the Dies Irae

followed by the Witches’ Round Dance which eventually collide in vibrant aural chaos. This piece was

received differently by Berlioz’s contemporaries; Felix Mendelssohn condemned the work for

distorting the sacred cantus firmus of the Dies Irae, whereas Franz Liszt and Camille Saint-Saëns

applauded the work for its innovation and creativity.107

Movement V, Bar 201 – 305

Score Tempo: Poco Meno Mosso

Suggested tempo: ♩. = 118

107 “Hector Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique”, Keeping Score, San Francisco Symphony, last modified

October 2011. http://www.keepingscore.org/interactive/pages/berlioz/score-idee-fixe

Figure 14. Excerpt 7 – Symphonie Fantastique H 48, Hector Berlioz

56

The Ronde du Sabbat from Movement V of this monumental work is saturated with detail

and instruction. Every bar has been meticulously marked with articulations and dynamics, intending

to create an evocative narrative. In order to successfully perform this excerpt, it is paramount that

one strictly observes all markings, creating an exaggerated sense of contrast and character.

Principal Challenge: Articulation


1) Bow stroke

2) Dynamics

Articulation: Berlioz, along with Gustav Mahler, is different to any other composer in term of his

repertoire of articulations and how literally you have to take them.108 The important thing about this

excerpt is to be receptive and aware of all the types of articulation markings. Orchestras will choose

this excerpt to see if one can demonstrate distinctly different articulations in a close sequence.

There needs to be a contrast between staccati, accents, sforzandi, and sforzandi with accents.109

They all need to embody a different character and be so dissimilar that the panel can discern one

from another. The accents need to have an audible front to the note and a noticeable surge of bow


September 2015. 109 H, B. Contrabassist of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Interview by the author, October 2015.


Bavarian Radio Orchestra Mariss Jansons 2014 ♩. = 115

New York Philharmonic Orchestra Leornard Bernstein N.d. ♩. = 115

San Francisco Symphony Orchestra Michael Tilson Thomas N.d. ♩. = 121

Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Daniel Baremboim 1990 ♩. = 122

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Colin Davis 1974 ♩. = 127

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Valery Gergiev N.d. ♩. = 130

Figure 15. Recording analysis of Symphonie Fantastique H 48

57

speed or weight into the string will assist in this.110 Likewise, the sforzandi must be played in this

regard, and with greater exaggeration. They should sound like an eruption and ought to be more

aggressive than the accented notes. The sforzandi with an accent should be a fusion between the

two separate markings, requiring a lot of weight into the string, a bit of bow speed and aggression

(within the realms of reason) is preferred. That is, there needs to be a distinction between all three

of these markings. So essentially, an accent is pretty much all your weight at the front of the bow

and popping that very first articulation whereas a sforzando is less of a ‘T’ sound and more of a ‘W’

sound; as a result of that, sforzandi tend to be a bit heavier.111 The staccati must be off-the-string,

crisp and vertical. They ought to be vastly different to any other articulation which can be supported

by a controlled spiccato bow stroke. The absence of articulation is also important. Unarticulated

notes must have character and should receive some length and vibrato where necessary.

Bow stroke: In direct correlation with achieving all these contrasting articulations, is the mastery

of the bow stroke and being in command of the bow. The rate of articulation change is rapid; one

only needs to play the first two bars to understand this. Most articulations are used during these two

bars. Therefore, one must stay in control of keeping pace with these changes and respond quickly

with the bow. The accents and sforzandi need a clear front to the note which can be achieved by

getting weight into the string. It is encouraged that one should get the staccato notes off-the-string,

but still having clean contact. The motion should imitate a ‘V’ shape rather than a saucer; vertical as

opposed to horizontal.112 These articulations can be played optimally towards the heel of the bow.

This is where one will have most control over the sound; it will be clean, crisp and measured. If one

plays away from the heel, some control and precision will be lost and the quick changes of bow

stroke will be difficult to make.

Dynamics: The sudden change in dynamics throughout this excerpt contribute to its effective

expression. The dynamic change ranges from piano to fortissimo with a host of colours in between.

It is vital that each dynamic marking is a stark contrast from what is softer and louder. Each dynamic

ought to be unique, two dynamics should not be of a similar volume. It is important to exaggerate

each dynamic, so that the panel can discern a forte from a fortissimo. It is also important to make a

distinction between the notes of different dynamics with different articulations. The articulations

shouldn’t influence how loud or soft a note is. This can be challenging, but this attention to detail


111 Ibid.

112 Ibid.

58

will be evident to the panel. The crescendi and decrescendi usually occur over a short length of time,

sometimes half a bar. Therefore, it is important to make a contrast between the initiating and exiting

dynamics. There are instances where a crescendo is indicated over three quaver beats, which is not a

lot of time. In these cases, and any case for that matter, it is useful to think that: i) the start of the

crescendo will always be the quietest place, ii) making one’s piano dynamic softer will make the forte

dynamic louder, and iii) an effective crescendo will be created if it starts towards the end of the

marked phrase. By exaggerating a combination of these three things, one’s crescendi will be

successful.

Professional Tip: In order to conquer all the detail in this excerpt, slow practise is crucial. It is

necessary to know how one’s body reacts to the rapid changes of bow stroke to achieve articulation

and dynamics. Practising passages at a slow tempo will assist in raising this awareness. It is also wise

to compartmentalise each bar and practise them over and over again.113 Separating this excerpt into

cell blocks and then working on the transitions between these bars is necessary. One must be

disciplined in this approach and the result will be rewarding. All practise should also be done with a

metronome; too often candidates do not subdivide and will regularly rush the quaver passages.

Attention to the entire excerpt by being aware of all the correct articulation, dynamic and bow

strokes at a slow speed with a metronome will establish a solid foundation in understanding and

playing this excerpt.

In the audition: The first two dotted crotchets marked with accents need to start on the string to

make good contact and with flat bow hair to achieve a nice full sound. The second dotted crotchet,

played on an up bow, should match the first one played on a down bow. Naturally, the down bow

will be loud so it is important that the up bow receive more attention and weight into the string to

balance the sound. The next three quavers need to be crisp and off-the string leading to an eruptive

sforzando by using a substantial amount of bow speed. The next descending phrase should remain

steady and the octave Gs should propel the crescendo to the crotchet C. The following syncopated

rhythm at Bar 247 must literally come out of nowhere and surprise the listener. The preceding

quaver F must be very soft in order to exaggerate this dynamic change. One should note that in the

orchestral context, the brass section joins in with the syncopated rhythm.

Bar 250 needs to start softly with four clean and crisp semiquavers. These semiquavers should

be glued on-the-string for maximum clarity; a simple ‘push pull’ bow stroke should be utilised which


October 2015.

59

will also assist in the crescendo. The following trill should have fast oscillations, maximised by

rotating the whole hand back and forth at a rapid pace and the following quavers should have space

in between them. The following acciaccaturas need to be crushed into the notes they are attached

to. The fortissimo descending quavers need to jump out in volume, played with good string

connection. Bar 256 is the first real dynamic contrast, played at piano. A good idea is to play these

two bars entirely on the A string to achieve a consistent and even change in tone colour which will

aid the dynamic change. The next entry must also stay at this piano level and must not be rushed.

This is the first instance where there are constant quavers; one must maintain a steady and

subdivided approach. These staccati might be played off-the-string and at Bar 264 a change to good

contact on-the-string leading up to the accented C crotchet is preferred. On-the-string contact will

help make the quick octave leap in Bar 264 clean and clear. Likewise in Bar 266, there needs to be

contact with the string, especially to make the slurred semiquavers really clear. The following octave

Gs need to be firmly grounded within a secure left hand shape. It will help to have the first finger as

a strong anchor with the thumb resting behind it on the neck. This will help sink the weight into the

string.114 There needs to be a feel of two in a bar and no hemiola; a good way to ensure this is to give

more bow length to the low G that falls on the second dotted crotched beat of the bar keeping a

straight bow.115 The following ascending and descending quaver passages must be phrased logically,

demonstrating a dynamic growth and decay. The syncopated rhythms must be angular and a stark

interruption to the prior melodic material. From the second quaver beat at Bar 277, one should note

that this ascending scale is the point at which the entire orchestra plays in unison.

A sudden drop to piano here is recommended and a dramatic crescendo must be heard with

short and succinct staccati. From Bars 279 to 286, there needs to be a tremendous contrast in

dynamics in each bar. One must exaggerate these changes to different ends of the spectrum,

obeying each marking. The three dotted crotchets at Bar 286 and 287 need to imitate bell tolls,

having a clear front to the note followed by some release by the bow but still having strong contact

in the left hand. In the following syncopated bar, the decrescendi need to be emphasised, assisted by

bow speed and contact. At Bar 290 we are reintroduced to the opening theme of this excerpt again,

but a perfect fifth above. Similar ideas as this should be transferred at the first time reading this

material, being responsive to the range difference and how one needs to combat these differences

with technique. The crotchets at Bar 298 should be even and square preceding the quavers which


2015.

115 Ibid.

60

fall to the crotchet Cs which then grow to the B flat and release to a healthy, string E flat to conclude

this excerpt.

This excerpt is saturated with many different markings and instructions. It is essential that one is

acutely aware of exaggerating these markings in their slow practise, as they will, in turn, be noticed

in an audition. Structured and disciplined practise is essential to master this excerpt, with a strong

emphasis on paying attention to the articulation differences within the passages. It is crucial that an

aspiring professional contrabassist has a thorough knowledge of how their part contributes to the

orchestral context and how they are able to achieve the different colours, dynamics, bow strokes

and articulations that are incorporated in this work.

In context, there are layers upon layers of polyphonic material. It is chaotic with thematic

material traded between sections of the orchestra. This is a ‘wicked’ excerpt, full of character and

evocative narrative; the more detailed practise one does to showcase these sudden changes, the

better. Really get a feel for the manic nature of this excerpt; one can convince the panel they

understand the difference in styles.116


61

Conclusion

The aim of most aspiring contrabassists is to win a full-time position in a professional orchestra –

and in Australia, the only way to do this is by succeeding in a professional audition. Australian

auditions generally require applicants to perform a range of orchestral excerpts along with a solo

work. The applicant’s performance of the orchestral excerpts is the most important part of their

audition.

Orchestral excerpts are pieces of music that ought to be prepared and performed with passion,

style and individuality. They should not be considered a stressful part of one’s practise routine, but

treated as challenges and opportunities to broaden the knowledge of orchestral playing. The

delivery ought to be greater than playing the correct notes: there must be a demonstration of

mastery of instrumental technique, comprehensive knowledge of the literature, and persuasive

musicianship. An audition gives an opportunity to showcase this.

A gap exists within the currently available orchestral excerpt resources for contrabassists. The

author hopes that this publication will contribute, in some way, to enhancing the current orchestral

excerpt literature for aspiring orchestral contrabassists. This study examined the content of twenty

eight Australian contrabass auditions and dissected seven prominently requested excerpts,

concentrating on the elements that require attention in their practise and preparation.

A series of interviews undertaken with professional contrabassists centred on pre-audition

preparation – of self, repertoire, context, knowledge and musicality. This resource summarises their

advice, and hopes to inform musicians in a variety of ways to understand what is required of them,

what they should expect in an audition, and to provide advice regarding the preparation and

performance of orchestral audition excerpts.

It is important to note that this resource is only partial and only examines seven excerpts in

detail. It would be interesting to address and similarly examine more of the most frequently

requested excerpts.

I have sought to help fill the gap within the currently commercially available orchestral resources

for contrabass players. The aim of this dissertation is to create a didactic resource, informed by this

country’s leading contrabassists and orchestral musicians, and made available to future orchestral

musicians.

62

Bibliography and References

Orchestral Excerpt Books for the Contrabass:

Madenski, Eduard. STRAUSS Orchesterstudien aus den Symphonischen Werken für Kontrabass.

Frankfurt: Edition Peters, 1981.

Maβmann, Fritz and Gerd Reinke. Orchester Probespiel. Mainz: Schott, 1992.

Schwabe, Oswald. Orchesterstudien Für Alle Instrumente: Kontrabass Vol. 1: Hofheim Taunus, 1955. _____. Orchesterstudien Für Alle Instrumente: Kontrabass Vol. 2. Hofheim: Taunus, 1955. _____. Orchesterstudien Für Alle Instrumente: Kontrabass Vol. 3. Hofheim: Taunus, 1955. _____. Orchesterstudien Für Alle Instrumente: Kontrabass Vol. 4. Hofheim: Taunus, 1955. _____. Orchesterstudien Für Alle Instrumente: Kontrabass Vol. 5. Hofheim: Taunus, 1955. _____. Orchesterstudien Für Alle Instrumente: Kontrabass Vol. 6. Hofheim: Taunus, 1955. _____. Orchesterstudien Für Alle Instrumente: Kontrabass Vol. 7. Hofheim: Taunus, 1955. _____. Orchesterstudien Für Alle Instrumente: Kontrabass Vol. 8. Hofheim: Taunus, 1955. _____. Orchesterstudien Für Alle Instrumente: Kontrabass Vol. 9. Hofheim: Taunus, 1955. Zimmerman, Oscar G. The Complete Double Bass Parts of Beethoven Nine Symphonies and Leonore

No. 3 Overture. Interlochen, Michigan: Zimmerman Publications, 1970.

_____. The Complete Double Bass Parts of Thirty-Six Overtures. Rochester: Zimmerman Publications, 1971.

_____. The Complete Double Bass Parts: Selected Works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Rochester:

Zimmerman Publications, 1974. _____. The Complete Double Bass Parts of Selected Romantic Symphonies. Rochester: Zimmerman

Publications, 1975. _____. The Complete Double Bass Parts of Strauss Tone Poems. Interlochen, Michigan: Zimmerman

Publications, 1972. _____. The Complete Double Bass Parts Orchestral Works of Brahms. Interlochen, Michigan:

Zimmerman Publications, 1971. _____. The Complete Double Bass Parts of Mahler Symphonies One through Five. Interlochen,

Michigan: Zimmerman Publications, 1976.

63

_____. The Complete Double Bass Parts Selected Works of Mozart, Haydn and Weber. Interlochen, Michigan: Zimmerman Publications, 1970.

Theses and Dissertations specific to the Contrabass:

Rose, Christopher. "An Orchestra Audition Preparation Handbook for Bass Players." DMA diss., Arizona State University, 2011.

Unzicker, Jack Andrew. “Orchestral Etudes: Repertoire-Specific Exercises for Double Bass.” DMA

diss., University of North Texas, 2011.

List of Sourced Australian Contrabass Auditions:

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Causal Double Bass – 2009 Australian Chamber Orchestra: Causal Double Bass – 2012

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Associate Principal Bass – 1975

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Double Bass Assessment – 1981

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Rank and File Double Bass – 1982-1983, 1985


Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Principal Double Bass – 1984 and 1988


Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Rank and File Double Bass – 1987 and 1988


Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Associate Principal Double Bass – 1992

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Casual Double Bass – 1992

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Associate Principal Double Bass – 1993


Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Sub-Principal Double Bass – 1997

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Sub-Principal Double Bass – 1998

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Assistant Principal Double Bass – 1998

64

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Assistant Principal Double Bass – 1999

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Section Double Bass – 2006

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Section Double Bass – 2011




Orchestra Victoria: Principal Double Bass – 2015 Queensland Symphony Orchestra: Section Double Bass – 2012 Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra: Casual Double Bass – 2015

West Australian Symphony Orchestra: Principal Double Bass – 2006

West Australian Symphony Orchestra: Casual Double Bass – 2007




Orchestral Excerpt Books for other Instruments:

Friend, Rodney. The Orchestral Violinist. London: Boosey and Hawkes, 2006.

Güttler, Ludwig. J.S Bach Complete Trumpet Repertoire (Revised) Volume II. Musica Rara, London, 1970.

Max, Randy. Orchestral Excerpts for Timpani. Thedore Presser Company, 2010. Paton, John Glenn. 26 Italian Songs and Arias. Alfred Publishing, 1991. Tafoya, John. The working timpanist's survival guide: a practical approach to audition excerpts for the orchestral timpanist. Carl Fischer, LLC, 2004.

Vatt, Seth Tyler. The purpose and design process of TromboneExcerpts. org: a multimedia compilation of orchestral excerpts commonly requested at trombone auditions. Arizona State University, 2010. Wulfhorst, M. The Orchestral Violinist's Companion. Bärenreiter, 2012.

Journals and Articles:

65

Anraku, Mariko, “The Orchestral Audition.” World Harp Congress Review. (V. 8 Autumn 2003):12-16.

Brandolino, L. Tony. “Pre-Professional Perspectives - Winning an Orchestral Audition: Advice from the Pros (concertmasters Samuel Thaviu, Linda Thomassen, and David Halen), American String Teacher 49 (1999). Cutts, Chloe. “Making It (Career Tips)”, Double Bassist n25 (2003): 16-17+

Gottlieb, Gabriel, “Nice Work (If You Can Get It): How Do You Make Sure You Get The Job You’ve Always Wanted.” Double Bassist 17 (Summer 2001): 14-15. Kogan, Peter. “Auditioning for the Minnesota Orchestra.” Percussive Notes 37 (August 1999):20-21. Peck, Donald. “Audition Time”, Flute Talk 21 (September 2001):4-6. Rosen, Michael. “At the orchestral percussion audition.” Percussive Notes 37 (August 1999): 13-15.

Stolper, Mary. “Master Class: Preparing for Auditions” Windplayer: for Woodwind and Brass Musicians n60 (1999): 37.

Vallis-Davis, Nichoals. “Getting to Grips with Auditions” PAN, The Journal of the British Flute Society 20 (2001): 11-12.

Yeh, John Bruce. “Clarinet Master Class: Preparing for Orchestral Auditions”, Windplayer n65 (2002- 2003): 36.

Naxos Music Library Recordings:

Beethoven, Ludwig van. Symphony No. 5 Op. 67. Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Conducted by Willem Mengelberg. Teldec 639842840866. N.d., compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Beethoven, Ludwig van. Symphony No. 5 Op. 67. Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Conducted by Herbert von Karajan. Deutsche Grammophon 00028941905123. N.d., compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Beethoven, Ludwig van. Symphony No. 5 Op. 67. Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Conducted by Christian Thielemann. Sony Classical 886443175709. 2010, compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Beethoven, Ludwig van. Symphony No. 5 Op. 67. Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Fritz Reiner. RCA Records 888880762801. N.d., compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Beethoven, Ludwig van. Symphony No. 5 Op. 67. Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Mariss Jansons. BR-Klassik 900135. 2012, compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Beethoven, Ludwig van. Symphony No. 5 Op. 67. New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Conducted by Leonard Bernstein. Sony Classical 884977559705. N.d., compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library.

66

Beethoven, Ludwig van. Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 ‘Choral’. Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra. Conducted by Richard Edlinger. Naxos 8.550181. N.d., compact disc. Accessed April 3, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Beethoven, Ludwig van. Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 ‘Choral’. Columbia Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Bruno Walter. Sony Classical 5099750231227. N.d., compact disc. Accessed April 3, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Beethoven, Ludwig van. Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 ‘Choral’. Boston Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Erich Leinsdorf. Sony Classical 886443286948. N.d., compact disc. Accessed April 3, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Beethoven, Ludwig van. Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 ‘Choral’. Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Conducted by Sir Simon Rattle. Warner Classics – Parlophone 0724355744555. N.d., compact disc. Accessed April 3, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Beethoven, Ludwig van. Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 ‘Choral’. Philharmonia Orchestra. Conducted by Herbert von Karajan. Warner Classics – Parlophone 5099951586355. N.d., compact disc. Accessed April 3, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Beethoven, Ludwig van. Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 ‘Choral’. Bayreuth Festival Orchestra. Conducted by Wilhelm Furtlwänger. Naxos Historical 8.111060. 1951, compact disc. Accessed April 3, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Berlioz, Hector. Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14. Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestra. Conducted by Eduard van Beinum. Naxos Classical Archives 9.80699. 1951, compact disc. Accessed April 3, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Berlioz, Hector. Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14. Lyon National Orchestra. Conducted by Leonard Slatkin. Naxos 8.572886. 2012, compact disc. Accessed April 3, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Berlioz, Hector. Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14. Philadelphia Orchestra. Conducted by Riccardo Muti. Warner Classics – Parlophone 0724357355452. N.d., compact disc. Accessed April 3, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Berlioz, Hector. Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14. Philharmonia Orchestra. Conducted by André Cluytens. Les indispensables de Diapason DIAP024. 1958, compact disc. Accessed April 3, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Berlioz, Hector. Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14. Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Conducted by Mariss Jansons. Warner Classics – Parlophone 0724358504156. N.d., compact disc. Accessed April 3, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Berlioz, Hector. Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14. San Diego Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Yoav Talmi. Naxos 8.553597. 2001, compact disc. Accessed April 3, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Berlioz, Hector. Symphonie Fantastique. San Fransisco Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas. Sony Classical 886444407014. N.d., compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library.

67

Berlioz, Hector. Symphonie Fantastique. Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Conducted by Daniel Barenboim. Sony Classical 828768826720. 1990, compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Berlioz, Hector. Symphonie Fantastique. Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Conducted by Colin Davis. Decca 00028947575573. N.d., compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Berlioz, Hector. Symphonie Fantastique. New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Conducted by Leonard Bernstein. Sony Classical 884977308754. N.d., compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Berlioz, Hector. Symphonie Fantastique. Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Mariss Jansons. BR-Klassik 900121. 2014, compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Berlioz, Hector. Symphonie Fantastique. Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Conducted by Valery Gergiev. Decca 00028947509523. N.d., compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus. Symphony No. 40 in G Minor. Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Conducted by Carlo Maria Giulini. Sony Classical 827969277027. 1992, compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus. Symphony No. 40 in G Minor. Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Conducted by Nikolaus Harnocourt. Teldec 825646971879. 1992, compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus. Symphony No. 40 in G Minor. Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Fritz Reiner. RCA Records 886443864665. 1992, compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus. Symphony No. 40 in G Minor. Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Rafael Kubelik. RCA Records 886443864665. N.d., compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library. “Mozart: Symphony No. 40 – New Philharmonia Orchestra/Klemperer (1970)” [2014]. Video clip. Accessed November 2, 2015. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5lHkUdKWGg “Mozart - Symphonies No.25, 29, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41 (Bernstein)” [2014]. Video clip. Accessed November 2, 2015. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv6J25zOanw&list=RDMv6J25zOanw#t=9924 Strauss, Richard. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40. Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Conducted by Herbert von Karajan. Deutsche Grammophon 00028943903929. 1995, compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Strauss, Richard. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40. Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Conducted by Willem Mengelberg. Naxos Historical 8.110161. 1941-2, compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library.

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Strauss, Richard. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40. Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Bernard Haitink. CSO Resound CSOR9011002. 2010, compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Strauss, Richard. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40. London Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Sir John Barbirolli. Warner Classics – Parlophone 0724356934955. 1969, compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Strauss, Richard. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40. Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Mariss Jansons. BR-Klassik 900127. 2011, compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Strauss, Richard. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40. Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Cornelius Meister. Capriccio C5208. 2014, compact disc. Accessed November 2, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Stravinsky, Igor. Pulcinella. Chamber Orchestra of Europe. Directed by Alexander Janiczek. Linn Records CKD330. 2008, compact disc. Accessed April 3, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Stravinsky, Igor. Pulcinella. Cleveland Orchestra. Conducted by Philip MacGregor. Naxos Classical Archives 9.80026. 1953, compact disc. Accessed April 3, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Stravinsky, Igor. Pulcinella. Columbia Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Igor Stravinsky. Sony Classical 888880204783. N.d., compact disc. Accessed April 3, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Stravinsky, Igor. Pulcinella. London Sinfonietta. Conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen. Sony Classical 074644596526. N.d., compact disc. Accessed April 3, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Stravinsky, Igor. Pulcinella. Philharmonia Orchestra. Conducted by Robert Craft. Naxos 8.557503. 1920, compact disc. Accessed April 3, 2015. Naxos Music Library. Stravinsky, Igor. Pulcinella. Seattle Symphony. Conducted by Gerard Schwarz. Naxos 8.571224. 1990, compact disc. Accessed April 3, 2015. Naxos Music Library.

International Music Library Scores Project (IMSLP) Excerpt Scores:

Hector Berlioz, Symphonie Fantastique, H 48. Edited by Charles Malherbe & Felix Weingartner.

Leipzig: Breitkopf & Härtel, 1910. Reprint, New York: Edwin F. Kalmus, after 1933. Accessed

September 13, 2015, International Music Score Library Project,

http://imslp.org/wiki/Symphonie_fantastique,_H_48_(Berlioz,_Hector)

Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 5, op. 67. Leipzig: Breitkopf & Härtel, 1863. Reprint, New York:

Edwin F. Kalmus, after 1933. Accessed September 13, 2015, International Music Score

Library Project, http://imslp.org/wiki/Symphony_No.5,_Op.67_(Beethoven,_Ludwig_van)

69

Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 9, op. 125. Leipzig: Breitkopf & Härtel, 1865. Reprint, New

York: Edwin F. Kalmus, after 1933. Accessed September 13, 2015, International Music Score

Library Project, http://imslp.org/wiki/Symphony_No.9,_Op.125_(Beethoven,_Ludwig_van)

Richard Strauss, Ein Heldeleben, op. 40. Leipzig: F.E.C Leuckart, 1899. Reprint, Mineola: Dover

Publications, 1979. Accessed September 13, 2015, International Music Score Library Project,

http://imslp.org/wiki/Ein_Heldenleben, Op.40_(Strauss,_Richard)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K550. Leipzig: C.F Peters, 1920. Reprint,

New York: Edwin F. Kalmus, n.d. Accessed September 13, 2015, International Music Score

Library Project,

http://imslp.org/wiki/Symphony_No.40_in_G_minor,_K.550_(Mozart,_Wolfgang_Amadeus)

Other Theses and Dissertations:

Brandolino, Lawrence Anthony. "A Study of Orchestral Audition Repertoire for Violin." University of Missouri-Kansas City Conseravtory of Music, 1997. Fletcher, Allison Marie Flores. Ten Orchestral Excerpts for Piccolo: An Historical and Stylistic Analysis. ProQuest, 2008.

Hays, Lacey. "PREPARATION FOR AUDITION VERSUS PERFORMANCE: AN EXAMINATION OF FOUR PROMINENT ORCHESTRAL EXCERPTS FOR TRUMPET." (2014). Lund, Golden A. "Orchestral tuba audition preparation: The perspective of three successful teachers." (2013). Manfredi, Guglielmo. "Perspectives on Auditioning: An Examination of Professional Horn Players on Auditioning." (2011).

Moyer, Susan Elizabeth. "A Detailed Study of Selected Orchestral Excerpts for Cello." University of Miami, 2009.

Rodabaugh, Heather Victoria. “Preparation for Orchestral Trumpet Auditions: The Perspectives of Three Prominent Orchestra Players.” DMA diss., University of Oklahoma School of Music, 2008. Staykova, Zlatina. "A Contextual Approach to Learning Orchestral Excerpts for Cello." (2009).

70

Books:

Cook, Nicholas. Beethoven: Symphony, Issue 9. U.K.: Cambridge University Press, 1993.

Greene, Don. Performance Success Performing Your Best Under Pressure. New York: Routledge, 2002. Greene, Don. Audition Success. New York: Routledge, 2001.

Schauffler, Robert Haven. Beethoven: The Man Who Freed Music. New York: Tudor Publishing Company, 1944. Zimmerman, Frederick. A Contemporary Concept of Bowing Technique for the Double Bass. New

York: MCA Publishing, 1966. Websites:

“10 Most Interesting Facts About Giuseppe Verdi”, last modified October 10, 2014. http://www.cmuse.org/most-interesting-facts-about-giuseppe-verdi/3/

Freed, Richard. “Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40.” About the Work. Last modified March 6, 2008. http://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/?fuseaction=composition&composition_id=3737

Giuseppe Verdi, Otello. Edited by Michael O’ Gieblyn. Accessed September 13, 2015, doublebassexcerpts.com, http://www.doublebassexcerpts.com/verdi-othello-act-iv-reh-u- until-7m-after-reh-x/ “Hector Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique”, Keeping Score, San Francisco Symphony. Last modified October 2011. http://www.keepingscore.org/interactive/pages/berlioz/score-idee-fixe

Keunning, Geoff. “Mozart: Symphony No.40.” Wolfgand Amadeus Mozart 1756-1791. Last modified 1996. http://www.lasr.cs.ucla.edu/geoff/prognotes/mozart/symphony40.html Kwok-Adams, Maxine. “How to be Successful in an Orchestral Audition,” The Strad [online blog], May 1, 2014. Accessed October 4, 2015. http://www.thestrad.com/cpt-latests/how-to-be- successful-in-an-orchestral-audition/ Taylor, Brant. “10 Tips for a Successful Orchestral Audition,” The Strad [online blog], May 6, 2014.

Accessed October 4, 2015. http://www.thestrad.com/cpt-latests/10-tips-for-a-successful-

orchestral-audition/

Appendix A is unavailable in this version of the thesis

at the request of the author

the missing link: filling the gap and achieving success in

Documents